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Billy Heid Obituary
Bill was born May 7, 1937, in Detroit, son of Lee and Eleanora Heid, and was raised in Lincoln Park, Mich.
In May 1955, he enlisted in the Navy and served as an aviation electronics technician, achieving the rank of chief petty officer. During this time, he volunteered for a year of hazardous duty in Antarctica as part of the 1957-58 International Geophysical Year, as a member of the wintering-over crew of Operation Deepfreeze III.
He attended the University of Washington and graduated with a bachelor of science degree in electrical engineering and was commissioned as an officer in October, 1964. After completing nuclear power training, he qualified in submarines aboard the USS Irex. He further served aboard the submarines George Washington, Billfish, and Benjamin Franklin. In 1982, he took his first command aboard the USS Will Rogers, followed with command of the Daniel Webster. He completed his 36 year naval career with the inaugural command of the Submarine Training Facility at Norfolk Naval Base.
After his retirement from the Navy in 1991, he was a nuclear and engineering consultant for several companies in the D.C. area. His post-naval career culminated as a systems engineer on the CVN(X) aircraft carrier program at the Newport News Shipyard in 2003.
Captain Heid resided in Grafton, Va., and is survived by his wife of 48 years, the former Marlene Gray of Lincoln Park, Mich.; their children, David, Stacey Denneny, Douglas, Bryan, and Jason; grandchildren, Rachel, Jack, and Benjamin; his sister, Patricia Hunnicutt; son-in-law, Douglas and daughter-in-law, Kathryn.
Family and friends will be received from 2 to 3 p.m., Sept. 10, 2005, at Peninsula Funeral Home in Newport News. The service will commence at 3 p.m., with a reception following. Captain Heid's burial ceremony will be held at Fort Meyers Chapel in Arlington, Va., followed by interment in the National Cemetery with full honors at 1 p.m. on Monday, Nov. 28, 2005.
In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to the Leukemia and Lymphoma Society or the Navy-Marine Corps Relief Society.
To plant trees in memory, please visit the Sympathy Store.
Memories and Condolences
for Billy Heid
Gib Willis
September 1, 2022
Added a photo. This is our CO at award ceremony on USS Daniel Webster in Holy Loch, Scotland on 31 Aug 1983. Gib Willis
Gibson R Willis
August 29, 2021
Gib Willis here. I sailed with Billy Lee Heid on USS Daniel Webster (SSBN 626). Billy was CO and I was one of the Lieutenants.
I just re-read what I had posted here back in 2005.
Today, I would write the exact same thing. Billy was first a good man. And he was also a fine CO. Glad to have sailed with him. He was the right guy in the right place.
I have something new to add today. I think Billy would smile if he heard that his old ship, USS Daniel Webster (SSBN 626), still survives today as the old 626 serves as the Moored Training Ship at the U.S. Navy's Nuclear Power Training Unit in North Charleston.
Way to go, Billy! You picked a survivor.
Gib Willis
Gibson and Susan Willis
September 18, 2005
Gib Willis served with Billy Lee on submarine USS Daniel Webster.
Whenever Billy Lee walked into any space on the ship, Wardroom – Control Room – Crew’s Mess – Engine Room, there was NO question about who was in charge! He might not have been in full uniform, but he was a big man who filled the entire space with the force of his personality. We knew who our CO was!
Billy Lee always kept his cool and showed he was firmly in control of any situation. When circumstances were difficult – even scary – Billy Lee made the whole crew feel like everything would be all right.
I remember one occasion that showed Billy Lee at his best. Webster was on patrol. North Atlantic. Winter. Heavy seas. We were making a nighttime repair that required the normal source of propulsion and electric power to be secured. We were running the diesel and using the limited life in the battery to supplement ship’s electric power. The ship was rolling heavily, and it was fairly intense in the Control Room as reports were received on the slow progress of the repairs. Billy Lee never flinched. Never showed any emotion other than firm confidence in his ship and crew. Others may have been worried and showed it. Not Billy Lee! The repair was completed with little time to spare, and the ship returned to her normal operating status. It was great having Billy Lee in charge. Submarining is not an easy profession, and it does not forgive errors. Billy Lee was a superb sailor and a fine CO. Having him there helped us all to know everything would be all right.
After I left Webster, Billy Lee continued to treat me as he always had - fairly and honestly. Although he was far my superior, he acted more like a friend. He cared, and it showed.
I am proud to have sailed with him in our Country’s defense. Billy Lee was the very definition of the word “Shipmate.”
Susan and I were glad to be able to attend Billy Lee’s ceremony in Newport News and to be able to renew our friendship with Marlene. We are sorry it had to be under such difficult and unexpected circumstances.
Susan well remembers the fun she had in arranging the short notice trip with Marlene and a few other Webster wives as they flew to Rome and then on to Naples in order to meet their husbands when Webster made a port visit. Susan fondly recalls walking arm-in-arm with Marlene through Rome, and of course it was great to meet the guys in mid-patrol. What a wonderful trip. Thanks!
Richard Olswold
September 15, 2005
I like to give my condolences to the Heid family. Bill was on the originally crew of the Billfish with me and was on my qualification board. He asked tough but fair questions. I will always remember him when he was the OOD and how well he managed the CON in difficult situations. I am sure he will be missed by all.
J.Carter Harnden
September 13, 2005
The Heid Family,
My deepest sympathies and condolences to you. I had the pleasure of knowing Captain Heid while on board the USS Will Rogers.
In fact, he presented my coveted Dolphins upon qualification. I will always remember his big smile and kindness.
With fond memories,
Tony Volpe
September 12, 2005
Dear Marlene and family,
I will always remember Bill as a man with great wit, intelligence and a thirst for knowledge. In years past, whenever we got together, it seemed I always learned something new after a conversation with Bill. He was a considerate and honorable person. I always felt a little safer because someone like Bill was helping to protect our country. You all have many wonderful memories of him and his life; those will live on.
With sincerest sympathy,
Bill Chabot (CWO3/USN/Ret.)
September 12, 2005
To the Heid Family,
My family and I wish to extend our deepest condolances. I served with Billy Heid on the USS Will Rogers and enjoyed every minute of it. He truly knew how to lead men and get the most out of his people. A natural leader and a great skipper. Our prayers are with you.
Lawrence Sanders
September 12, 2005
I was just informed of your (our) loss. So many good memories, so many stories, I shall truly miss him and I shall always remember him. My prayers are with you and the family, may GOD bless you and yours.
Art Sprague
September 11, 2005
It was my honor to have served under Capt. Heid on the Rogers in the early eighties. He set the example of doing what was right and always standing up for your decision. "Fair winds and following seas" to a great commander.
Bill Netto
September 10, 2005
I am very sorry to hear that Captain Heid has passed along. I served aboard the Will Rogers with Captain Heid and remember him well. My prayers are with you.
sincerely,
Bill Netto
STS5 USS Will Rogers Blue Crew
Mal Wright
September 6, 2005
Dear Marlene,
Please accept my deepest sympathy on Bill's loss. He was a first rate submarine skipper and a decent and honorable man. Along with you, we will miss him greatly.
Ted Chittenden
September 6, 2005
I had the pleasure of serving under Captain Hied on the Rogers in the early 1980's. I will always remember Captain Heid working out among the Missle tubes. He provided a comforting feel, knowing he was the Captain of our ship. Godspeed, Captain Heid.
Ed Gunteski
September 6, 2005
Dear Heid Family,
You are in our thoughts and prayers. I had the pleasure of working with Bill on the CVN 21 Program and he touched many of us with his ability to always make everything better around him. Bill was a class act and will be truly missed.
Dan Fontaine
September 6, 2005
Marlene: We are truly saddened to hear of Bill's passing. I valued Bill as a friend and his knowledge and support of the Future Aircraft Carrier Program at Northrop Grumman Newport News.
Allan and Phyllis Chaloupka
September 5, 2005
Dear Marlene,
Phyllis and I were deeply saddened to learn of Bill's passing. He was a great friend and shipmate.
I personally enjoyed serving with him in Daniel Webster and working for him in Cincinatti. He literally helped me to start my post-military career. He probably never told you that I accidently erased his hard drive on the office computer at Fernald my first week there. Bill just laughed.
Bill taught me to take care of the things that were important and to always maintain a sense of humor. The "orangutan message" about the Will Rogers fan room was a perfect example.
Whether it was doing a port visit in Naples or looking for the last good restraurant in Cincinatti, we were always having a good time that will be fondly remembered.
Marlene, Phyllis and I will be thinking of you and your family during this time of sadness and will keep you in our prayers. Please accept our deepest condolences for your very profound loss.
Darrel Damon
September 5, 2005
I was a lieutenant on Will Rogers gold when Capt. Heid had the blue crew. Although I didn't know him as well as others, I will always remember him as a stand-up guy who never let others take heat for his decisions. My sincere condolences.
Duane Smith
September 5, 2005
Dear Marlene,
As you know, Bill and I started our life long friendship in Kindergarden on through High School, and then we had the honor to serve our great country as Sailors in the
United States Navy, We were "brothers", and will remain so for eternity.
Our Country owes Bill a debt of gratitude for his dedicated service. I know that if he could do it all over again, he wouldn't change a thing, he lived his life with Honor and dignity, and with your trusted support, "gave it his all"
LCDR Duane Smith USN,ret., Dessie Smith, Kimberly Pleasant, LCDR Douglas Smith USN, and Andrea Smith.
Bill Heid overlooking his beloved WWII SUBVET Memorial @ SUBTRAFAC, NFLK 2005
September 4, 2005
Neil and Pat Walsh
September 4, 2005
Marlene and family,
Our prayers and deepest sympathy are with you all. May the care and concern of your many friends ease your pain and help you through this difficult time.
Fondly,
CDR Dave & Vickie Wunder (USN-Ret)
September 4, 2005
Bill's Family,
Vickie's and my heart and prayers are with you all at this very sad time. We all will miss Bill. He touched so many lives making the world a better place. I often think back and am greatful to have known Bill and was so lucky to be one of his temporary "kids" and having him teach me to be a good submariner and Naval Officer. I tell sea stories about him to this day and will continue to do that so in some way he can live on in our minds and hearts. I will always be proud to be his "Young David" as he used to call me. May God rest his soul and comfort all his loved ones.
Sean Nunley
September 4, 2005
My sincere condolences to the Heid Family. Capt. Heid was my 1st C.O. on the USS Daniel Webster when I checked aboard in August 1985. He was a good Skipper.
"Sailor, rest your oars."
Respectfully,
STS1(SS) Sean W. Nunley, USN (Ret.)
Typical Saturday coffee/discussion w/ the Crossland's
September 4, 2005
Christine Crossland
September 4, 2005
I was deeply saddened to hear of Captain Heid’s passing and I want to extend my heartfelt sympathy to his wife and family. Like many, I deeply admired and respected this man. He was a loving husband, a good father, a wonderful man to know, and a principled and distinguished officer and gentleman. He was a great man who had significant influence in others' lives. It was an honor and privilege to know him.
Through these last years, Capt Heid and his family displayed tremendous courage as he valiantly fought cancer. In doing so, his bravery and determination was an inspiration to us all. His example was one we can remember when we too must face difficult moments.
My thoughts and prayers are with his family and friends who must now accept this sudden and unexpected loss. I hope good memories can help ease the pain of his passing.
With heartfelt sympathy and much love,
Karen Crossland - Mercier
September 4, 2005
Mrs. Heid – Tom, the kids and I are very sorry for you and your families loss. It is with great sadness that I received Mom and Dad’s call regarding Mr. Heid’s passing. I will miss running into him at my parents or Dunkin Donuts. Please know that our thoughts and prayers are with you.
Sincerely,
Karen C. Mercier
Bill w/ CDR Jones @ WWII SUBVETS Memorial Ceremony 2005
Ted & Libby Crossland
September 4, 2005
We will miss our good friend,Ted's mentor, and very professional shipmate. Our hearts and prayers go out to Marlene and the family in this time of great sadness and unexpected loss. We will fondly remember the frequent Saturday morning coffee visits from Bill and his wonderful sense of humor, not to mention his integrity, honor and deep devotion to family & country. He has left the world a better place for having been here. We're sure that he will always have fair winds on final patrol. Love, Ted & Libby
Mac and Diane McClintock
September 4, 2005
We send our sympathy and prayers to you Marlene, and to your family.
Mac and Diane
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