William James Ehrie

Colonel (Ret.) William James “Bill” Ehrie passed away peacefully on Wednesday, September 3, 2025, in Arlington, Texas.

Bill was born July 20, 1944, in The Bronx, New York, to James Butler Ehrie and Ethel Theresa Ehrie. He graduated from Cardinal Hayes High School in New York City, earned a bachelor’s degree in Business Administration from Manhattan College, and later received a master’s degree in Systems Management from the University of Southern California. He was also a graduate of the Air Command and Staff College, the Industrial College of the Armed Forces, and the Air War College.

Following his graduation from college ROTC, Bill was commissioned as a 2nd Lieutenant in the United States Air Force, beginning a distinguished career of more than 25 years. A decorated pilot, he earned his Command Pilot wings and logged over 3,350 hours in the B-52, FB-111, and B-1B bombers, flying 180 combat missions in Vietnam. His career included multiple command assignments across the globe, from Plattsburgh, New York, to NATO in Aviano, Italy. He culminated his service as Wing Commander of the 96th Bombardment Wing at Dyess Air Force Base in Abilene, Texas, where he retired in 1991.

Over his military career, Bill was honored with numerous decorations, including the Legion of Merit, the Distinguished Flying Cross, the Defense Meritorious Service Medal, the Meritorious Service Medal, and the Air Medal with one silver and three bronze Oak Leaf Clusters.

Bill continued to serve his adopted city of Abilene as President of the Abilene Industrial Foundation and through leadership roles on numerous charitable boards, including the Abilene United Way, Hendrick Home for Children, and the Southwest Golf Classic. His commitment to public service also extended statewide when he was appointed by then-Governor Rick Perry as Chairman of the Texas Military Preparedness Commission, working to strengthen and retain military missions across Texas.

On December 17, 1966, Bill married the former Victoria Noll. Together they shared 50 years of adventure, joy, and deep love, creating a lifetime of memories with family and friends across the world. After fully retiring, Bill and his wife Victoria moved to Arlington, Texas, where they became longtime members of St. Alban’s Anglican Church. In his final years, Bill was able to enjoy the company of his children, grandchildren, and friends, and he was blessed to find love again with a longtime family friend, Kathleen Welch.

He was preceded in death by his beloved wife, Victoria Ehrie; his parents, James and Ethel Ehrie; his sister, Mary Ehrie; and his son-in-law, James Neeley.

Bill is survived by his brother, James Ehrie, and wife Joanne of Hasbrouck Heights, NJ; his children and their spouses: Brian and Karen Ehrie of Arlington, TX; Greg and Casey Ehrie of Pearl River, NY; Kevin and Mina Ehrie of Austin, TX; and Kathleen Neeley of College Station, TX.

He was a devoted grandfather, lovingly known as “Poppa” or “Pop,” to his cherished grandchildren: Griffin, Mitchell, Cassidy, Liam, Declan, and Waylon Ehrie, and Jaxon, Connor, and James Neeley.