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William Hornsby Obituary
Our Hero
Feb. 20,1930-Mar.15,2013
Born February 20th, 1930 in the town of Lexington, South Carolina.
Retired USMC First Sergeant and a
Veteran of the Korean and Vietnam War, as a decorated Veteran he survived injuries received in the battle of Chosin Reservoir becoming one of the "Chosin Few". After retiring from the Marines, he served as a police dispatcher for the El Monte Police Department. Following his service he became a Graduate of Rio Hondo College Police Academy and joined Baldwin Park Police Department as an officer. He was then hired as a Tac Officer at Rio Hondo Police Academy in the spring of 1972 and as a full time faculty member in the summer of 1972; as a faculty member he ran the college's Weapons Qualification Program for the police academy. He retired as a full time faculty member in the summer of 1996 and continued to work as a part time instructor until the time of his passing on March 15, 2013. He received his AA degree in the administration of Justice from Rio Hondo College.
He is survived by his wife Jo Anne of 56 years, children Scott Hornsby and fiancé, Virginia Everhart, Dayna Hammerson and husband, Bill Sos, Tammy Sturtevant and husband, Larry Sturtevant and foster daughter Sandra Cook and husband, Billy Cook; thirteen grandchildren, fourteen great grandchildren and his beloved cat Bella.
Viewing will be on the 19th of March from 5:30pm to 8:30pm; Services will be held on the 20th of March at 11:00 am at Oakdale Memorial park, 1401 S. Grand Ave Glendora, CA. 91740.
To plant trees in memory, please visit the Sympathy Store.
Memories and Condolences
for William Hornsby
Sponsored by Scott,Dayna and Tammy, his kids.
Sarah McDonald
October 22, 2019
Miss you grampa
Scott Hornsby
March 15, 2019
Love you dad
Scott Hornsby
March 15, 2019
Dad I do miss you so much there have been so many times that i needed to talk to you son to father just want to hear your voice again and you wisdom on some things I love and miss you so much dad.
September 25, 2017
Dad,
I miss you very much!! I wish I knew more about you and regret never asking you, about you. You were a great loving Dad and I know I will see you again. Kisses and hugs.
Your loving daughter,
Tammy
James W Mofford
May 1, 2014
I wished I'd known earlier I remember living next door to him and Jo Anne when I was 4 years old that wonderful guy made an impression that has lasted thru my life.Godspeed Bill.
Lacy Croft, Jr
September 25, 2013
He was one tough Marine and an uncle I was proud to know. When I was a small boy I once accidently stepped on his spit shined shoes and I was told in no uncertain terms that was to never happen again. We will miss him.
Analeisa Stern
June 2, 2013
I was happy to see when I was back in La Puente Ca. for a short visit... You looked to good and strong. Keep watching over your family... god Bless
Hank Ortiz
May 1, 2013
Hi Bill,
It was great knowing you! We worked together many years at Rio Hondo and I was sorry to hear that you had died. You were a good man, always honest and generous. You had a good sense of humor too. You were a truly "Hard Marine" all the way but in the best sense. True to your values and damn the torpedoes:) You always spoke fondly of your wife Jo Ann and your daughter Dayna. We even had a contest once, lifting an anvil with one arm:) I remember that! Rest in peace my friend and I hope we meet again! One of the "Chosin Few"!
Semper Fi
Adam Libario
April 4, 2013
Thank You Mr. Bill For Helping Me Fix My Truck. God Bless You. Always In My Prayers.
Dan, Mike, and Mark Stevens
March 27, 2013
May God bless you and your family in this time of sorrow.
David Lamb
March 24, 2013
Mr. Hornsby was one of my instructors at Rio Hondo Police Academy. I learned alot from his instruction and guidance.
Dayna Hammerson
March 23, 2013
We are laying our Dad to rest on March 26th time 10:00am at Riverside National Cemetery
22495 Van Buren Blvd Riverside, CA 92518
Phone: (951) 653-8417
Adriana Virgen
March 22, 2013
I went through the academy in 1992. Rangemaster Hornsby had a way of raising your confidence on the range and as a police officer. His natural way of being...low key, very weapons knowledgable, safe and carried himself in a way that everyone respected him immediately. As a female officer, he helped me so much, I was "top gun" of my class for three months...He was a born teacher!
I am lucky and greatful he touched my life! I am a better officer because of him :)
Jim Zaharek
March 21, 2013
To Bill's wife and family,I extend my deepest sympathy and prayers to all of you! I have know and worked with Bill at the academy since 1976. Bill was always willing to help me and was a great example of commitment in making the program the best it could be.
Thanks for your friendship, I will miss you!
Bobbie Jo Bishop
March 20, 2013
Grandpa, thank you so much for taking my mom in so that I had the pleasure to be a part of yours and your sweet families life. Thank you for teaching me how to cross an intersection "you can cross when you don't see anymore rooftops" which would take a lifetime to cross 199 if I did do that.
I didn't get to spend much time with you but the time that I did have I will cherish forever. I love and miss you!
Melissa Goodwin
March 20, 2013
Christina. Im so sorry for your loss. I never got the opportunity to meet your granddad. But i am so blessed to be your friend. I love you sis and part of him lives on in you.
Jason Mann
March 20, 2013
It was a real honor to know and work with Bill. He was a patient giving man and Marine.
Semper Fi
paige spencer
March 19, 2013
My uncle bill was one of my best friends. I can not tell you how much I will miss him. All of the memories I have had with him, I will cherish them from now until the day I die. And when I do, we will meet again in the Kingdom of Heaven. I love you uncle bill I really do miss you
Paige??
Larry Lear
March 19, 2013
I had the real pleasure of knowing Bill, and working with him during his short stay at Baldwin Park PD, before he left for his position at Rio Hondo. We bonded quickly, both having been in the military, and both having done tours in Vietnam. A finer gentleman there never has been, with special qualities, starting with his desire to be of service to others. My condolences to the entire Hornsby Family.
jimi spencer
March 19, 2013
It has always a special event to spend time with you uncle bill you always had a way of seeing things you always had a smile and a well thought insight about life and what it has to offer and when Paige was born I saw a side of you that was different best friends my daughter still thinks of you as her best friend and great uncle as I think of my uncle bill there's only one and you were more than that you were a good man
Chrissy Bridges
March 19, 2013
I never got to know you, but I know my mom (Marla Hornsby) loved and respected you. You will truly be missed by many. May you rest in peace and may the Good Lord bring peace and comfort to your loved ones while they go through the difficult time of adjusting to your absence.
Bill Heckel
March 19, 2013
I am deeply saddened by Bill's passing. He was a good friend and a great TAC officer and instructor.
Eric Melnyk
March 19, 2013
Mr. Hornsby will be greatly missed. What a wealth of knowledge and unsurpassed understanding of the profession of arms. This man is the absolute epitome of a hard-charger. Semper-Fi, First Sergeant!
WCPD misses you already
Tarek Azmy
March 18, 2013
It truly was a privelage to be trained by Mr Hornsby as a police officer. Not only did he train me but I had the honor many years later to work with him. In that time I grew to appreciate his dedication, knowledge and honor. He truly is one of a kind and will be missed.
Peg & Brian Sturtevant
March 18, 2013
It was a great pleasure and honor to know Bill, and to be part of his family. He was a special man. He will be missed.
Michael Mueller
March 18, 2013
My apologies to the Hornsby family for omitting my name from my post(s)! I guess I overlooked that part!? I submitted two posts, as I thought the first one didn't go through.....Geez!! Bill would have said, "What a knucklehead!.." LOL
John Doan
March 18, 2013
It was a pleasure and an honor knowing Bill and working with him at the police academy. He always made time to chat with co-workers and made going to work fun. He touched so many lives of young police officer recruits and taught them valuable life saving skills. Your work on earth is done, Bill........enjoy paradise!
March 18, 2013
JoAnn, Dayna, & Family
My thoughts & prayers are with you in your time of grief. Your memories of him will keep you strong.
"Thank you" so much for sharing Bill with us. I know that the time he spent with us at the academy meant time away from his family. Your sacrifice was our gain and I will be forever grateful to you. Again, thank you.
Bill was an amazing man. He was a man of great values & morals, extreme dedication, and a man with unbelievable knowledge. He was always there when needed and always ready to offer a shoulder to lean on. He was a true Marine, a gentleman, and our hero to the end. I will truly miss him.
I am so glad to have known Bill and I will always have such fond and loving memories of him. Knowing Bill, I just know that he is now our "special angel" watching over us from above.
Myrna Reyes (Whittier, CA)
Barbara Keith
March 18, 2013
Bill's family, you are in my thoughts and prayers. I first met Bill in 1973 when I was an academy recruit at Rio Hondo Police Academy. I have so many fond memories of the times we worked together at the academy. RIP Bill.
March 18, 2013
Bill was one of the finest people that I had the pleasure to know.
He will be missed.
Dave Balch
Crystal Godinez
March 18, 2013
My prayers go out to you and your family Dayna. You dad is truly an AMAZING person, he will be forever in my heart. My prayer go out to y'all. Bill, you are a true hero!
Scott Hornsby
March 18, 2013
God bless you dad you were an amazing father,husband,grandfather and friend I am proud to have had a father like you in my life you are our hero,semper fi dad RIP.
March 18, 2013
Our deepest sympathy Dayna, please let us know if there is anything we can do at this time of loss. Remember, family is here for you, even across the miles! Give your mom a hug for us. Laura & Zelda Pemberton and family
Carl Jones
March 18, 2013
To those who suffer the most from the loss that we all have sustained, I have but little to offer. Bill lives on in the lives, careers and memories of the many he inspired. I am blessed that our paths crossed. R.I.P.
P.S. "Marines don't die, they just go to Heaven and re-group" Semper Fi...
Angie and jd Robinson
March 18, 2013
Our thoughts and prayers going out to the family...sorry for your loss...
Terry Perez
March 18, 2013
I will miss you Mr. Bill...you reminded me so much of my dad! So helpful and willing to fix whatever I asked you for. Thank you for your service to your country, to your family and friends!
Mario Casas
March 18, 2013
Bill was an inspiration to all and an exemplary leader to law enforcement and the Marine Corp. Bill, you played a large role in my professional successes and I will always be greatful to you for that, RIP my friend!
ashley hornsby
March 18, 2013
I love you grandpa rest in peace
Cristina Hornsby
March 18, 2013
Grampa I love u and miss u dearly. Great man number one n my life. I say farewell but not goodbye because goodbye s forever and I kno one day I will see u again. My daughters wanted to meet u so bad but since they didn't get the honor of meeting u they send their love n pictures and a song they sing for u everyday. Love u grampa the most of the most outside n the sky as my 3yr old puts it. Xoxoxoxo
Jo & Wayne Hatchell
March 18, 2013
Sandy and Bobbie Jo,
We mourn your loss as if it was our own because you. Be proud of this man was in your lives for so long and served so many throughout his life.
March 18, 2013
I am saddened to hear of Bill's passing. I always enjoyed chatting with him at the academy, looking forward to his succinct & timely quips! Know that Bill was loved and respected by countless members of the Law Enforcement community.
God's Speed, William................
Vivian Bratt
March 18, 2013
RIP Bill. You were an inspiration to all who knew you and served your country and community well. My thoughts are prayers are with your family and friends during this difficult time.
March 18, 2013
I am saddened at Bill's passing & hope you can take comfort in knowing that he was loved & respected by countless members of the Law Enforcement community. I always enjoyed our chats at the academy, and looked forward to his succinct & profound quips!! God's Speed, Bill.....
Judy Howell
March 18, 2013
My condolences to Bill's family. I was saddened to hear of his passing. I had the pleasure of working with Bill for many years as well at Rio Hondo. Although he's left this world, I know he's protecting us from above as a dedicated Marine would do.
Scott Anderson
March 17, 2013
I'm so sorry for your loss. I had the honor of knowing and working with Bill at the academy. He influenced more people than you can possibly imagine and I will miss him.
Bob Kelly
March 17, 2013
My deepest sympathy to Bill's family. I had the pleasure of working with Bill for many years.
I know Bill has been assigned duty at the pearly gates because there isn't a Marine that can stand more proud than Bill. I wish to thank the family for sharing Bill with us because I know he gave up a lot of family time for Country, Corps and his Law Enforcement Family.
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