William Cecil Merkley

William Cecil Merkley, age 74, of Anchorage, Alaska passed away May 6, 2023, in Jacksonville, Florida.
William was born on January 10, 1949 in San Francisco, California. William was a 1967 graduate and varsity athlete from Robert E. Lee High School in Jacksonville, Florida. After graduation he joined the Army and was a gunship and Medivac "Dust Off" pilot in Vietnam, he saved many lives during his tours in country and was awarded the Bronze Star Medal. After leaving the service, William flew as a contractor for several countries in various locales. He moved to Alaska in the late 70's where he flew for many years as a bush pilot. He married Shirley Merkley November 19, 1990 and retired in 2011.
William was a proud veteran and loving father and grandfather. He was a world traveler and never shied away from sharing his humor, appropriate or not, his bellowing laugh filled a room and will be sorely missed by those who knew him. He was a loyal and devoted friend. The many nicknames he earned over the years show his diverse character, which include Sweet William, Wild Bill, Magnet Ass, Billy, Husband and Dad.
He was preceded in death by his parents, Day and Hazel Merkley and sister Barbara Caldwell. William leaves behind his wife, Shirley Merkley, daughters, Summer Merkley, Tracee Hickman (Aaron), Jessie Anderson (Jaryd), grandsons Hunter Hickman, Nathan Hickman and George Anderson, brothers Barry Merkley and Paul Merkley and sister Myra Waugh (Steve) and several nieces and nephews.

Memorial services will begin at 1:00 p.m. on Tuesday, July 25, 2023 at Fort Richardson's National Cemetery.