William A Semper

William Abraham Semper went to be with his Lord and Savior Jesus Christ, as he peacefully passed away on June 4, 2015 in Phoenix, Arizona. Fondly known as Bill Semper, he was born on September 13, 1928 on the island of Montserrat in the British West Indies. At the age of 19, he migrated to New York City where he became a U. S. citizen. During his lifetime he was recognized for his academic accomplishments at both the undergraduate and graduate levels. Bill acquired a BS in Management, a Masters in Public Administration and worked as Adjunct Professor for Park College, the University of Northern Colorado, and Golden Gate University. Bill Semper was best known for his enlistment in the United States Air Force in 1950 where he served dutifully for 30 years. During his tour of duty he authored a book on Electronics that became a training manual for the Air Force; co-authored the United States Equal Opportunity/Affirmative Action Plan; and received recognition by the Aerospace Defense Command for having the best managed Social Actions Program. Over the years he received numerous awards and recognition and quickly climbed the ranks to Chief Master Sergeant (E-9) - the highest rank issued for a non-commissioned officer (NCO). On September 1, 1980, Bill retired from the US Air Force with an honorable discharge. His work history after his retirement from the military includes four years with the City of Phoenix as the Affirmative Action Specialist; two years with the Arizona Department of Public Safety as the EEO/ Affirmative Action Manager; seven years with Allied Signal as an EE0/Affirmative Action Manager, & Human Resources Generalist. In 1955, Bill married Jacqueline Corrine Hurst, from Baton Rouge, Louisiana. They were married for 59 years and had three children. William Abraham Semper lived a God-filled life full of love, family & responsibility. He is survived by and leaves his cherished memory to his beloved wife Jackie Semper, his children, daughter Sharon DoQui, son Kelvin Semper (Vera), and daughter, Gayle Tanner (Donnie); his grandchildren Ryan Stringer, Logan Semper, DeAdra Davis, and Tayler Blake; his great grandchildren Tatum and Ryleigh Stringer; his sister Gwen Bascus (Lionel) & brother Joseph Semper along with a host of other loving family members and friends. Viewing will take place on Monday, June 15th at 5:00pm-8:00pm at Heritage Funeral Chapel 6830 W. Thunderbird Rd. Peoria, AZ. Catholic Mass will take place on Tuesday, June 16th at 10:00am at St Jerome's Catholic Church 10815 N. 35th Ave, Phoenix, AZ. The burial with full military honors will follow at 12:30 pm at National Memorial Cemetery of Arizona 23029 N Cave Creek Rd, Phoenix, AZ 85024 (480) 513-3600. In Lieu of flowers, please send donations to the Gardiner Home – Hospice of the Valley at 1522 W. Myrtle, Phoenix AZ 85021