SW Bill Billingsley

SW "Bill" Billingsley passed away peacefully on March 15, 2025, in Olney, Maryland, following a brief illness, just days shy of his 86th birthday. A longtime resident of Brookeville, Maryland, Bill was a devoted father, grandfather, great-grandfather, cherished friend, and beloved life partner. His family was his greatest joy.

A world-renowned expert in magnetics engineering, Bill made groundbreaking contributions to the field. Over his distinguished career, he worked with NASA Goddard Space Flight Center, NOAA, and Billingsley Magnetics/Aerospace. His designs profoundly impacted satellite technology, enhanced military defense systems that protect troops, aircraft, submarines, ships, and harbors, and advanced geophysical exploration and magnetic silencing facilities worldwide.

Born in Vandalia, Illinois, on March 25, 1939, Bill was the third of six children. His family lived in various locations across the United States and Canada, but he always considered Casper, Wyoming, his hometown-where he built lifelong friendships and experienced his most cherished adventures.

Bill is survived by his daughter, Eva Billingsley Wakefield (Mike); son, Patrick Billingsley (Linda); granddaughter, Jessica Bland; grandsons, Kevin Douglas (Danielle), John Billingsley, Nicholas Billingsley, and Christopher Wakefield (Eryn); and six great-grandchildren: Sophia and Emery Bland, Evelyn and Lena Douglas, and Aspen and Carson Wakefield. He also leaves behind his devoted life partner, Karin Atala.

He was predeceased by his parents, Lewie and Christine Billingsley, and his siblings: Mary Anne Richards, Yuvonne Warshauer, Carolyn Cockle, Roger Billingsley, and the Honorable Judge Stanley Billingsley.

Known as "Wayne" in his youth, Bill attended St. John's Military School in Salina, Kansas, before serving in the U.S. Navy during the Vietnam War aboard the USS Hornet and in Kamiseya, Japan. His engineering career began at Telefunken Laboratories in Konstanz, Germany-an experience he treasured. After returning to the U.S., he attended the University of Maryland while working at NASA during the historic Apollo missions and raising a young family.

Bill was a passionate traveler who learned and spoke the languages of the places he visited. Fluent in German and conversant in Spanish and Japanese, he embraced cultures with curiosity and respect. An avid skier and sailor, he shared his love of skiing with his son Patrick and spent countless weekends navigating the Chesapeake Bay-often solo with classical music as his companion. A motorcycle enthusiast as well, he cherished riding with Eva and embarking on a cross-country journey to Wyoming and Yellowstone with family and friends.

A lifelong learner and self-taught polymath, Bill mastered precision machining in his later years and even built his own telescopes. His intellect knew no bounds. Brilliant yet humble, full of humor and charm, he never sought recognition for his accomplishments-though those who knew him would certainly disagree with his modesty.

Bill's passing leaves an immeasurable void, but his legacy in science and engineering and the lives he touched will endure.