William Edward "Bill" Pylant

October 27, 1933 - January 16, 2011

Bill Pylant passed away peacefully on Sunday, January 16, 2011 surrounded by his loving family after a courageous 12 year battle with cancer.

A graduate of Marietta High School, Bill attended his 50th high school reunion with his classmates in 2002. He attended Emory at Oxford prior to joining the army in 1954 and served our country for three years during the Korean Conflict before returning home to further his education at the University of Georgia, Marietta extension.

Bill began a distinguished career in aerospace at Lockheed's Georgia plant as a draftsman in engineering before becoming an aerospace materials buyer.

In 1967, Bill and Janet moved their family to California and Bill accepted a position in aerospace sales. He went on to become a Vice President of Purkey Co. Inc., and ultimately the owner of multiple aerospace companies in the Los Angeles area.

Bill was an accomplished executive, but more importantly, he was a great supporter and champion for his family, loved ones and local charities. He was an inspiration to each of his three children, encouraging and supporting them in all they accomplished.

The "Papa-nater" as many called him was a fighter and survivor who battled cancer with grace and dignity. He put a smile on the face of all that knew him.

Papa Bill was the "room grandpa" in his granddaughter Paige's third grade class and was the number one "Papa sitter" to his precious granddaughters MacKenzie and Cassidy. He was his grandson Trent's best friend, supporter and mentor and rarely missed one of his hockey games, even traveling to New York in 2009 with his son-in-law for Trent's championship college hockey game.

Survived by his true love of 50 years, Janet and his children Cameron Pylant and Stacy Miller, Papa Bill was the grandfather to four children; Trent, Paige, MacKenzie and Cassidy as well as the loved father-in-law of and Marlene Pylant and Tyler Miller. Bill was preceded in death by his beloved son Craig in 2005 along with his parents Fred and Nell and his brother Ernest Pylant. He is survived by his brother Fred Neal Pylant, sister in law Evelyn and his Uncles O.E. and Layton Barrette who currently reside in Cobb County Georgia where Bill was raised.

Services will be held on Saturday, Feb. 5, 2011 at 1 p.m. at St. Stephen's Presbyterian Church in Chatsworth.In lieu of flowers, donations can be made in Bill's honor to: The Santa Clarita Valley Youth Project, P.O. Box 801982, Santa Clarita, Ca 91380, The SCV Youth Project is a 501(c)3 non-profit organization

Bill's family wrote, "Bill's spirit, generosity and zest for life will live on in the lives of his true love Janet, his children, grandchildren, family and friends."