William Bill Wilhoit

Born in Buckhead, Georgia to Loyd and Elisabeth Wilhoit, William "Bill" Wilhoit, received his education from Georgia Tech. Four months before graduation, he reported as the executive officer to the crew of Landing Craft Tank (LTC) 540 just two weeks before the invasion of Normandy, otherwise known as "D Day." His military service earned him a Purple Heart and Navy Cross, the highest medal for valor authorized within the Navy. He and his crew of LCT 540 were also awarded the Presidential Unit Citation for their actions on June 6, 1944. After the war, he transferred into the Navy Reserves, returned to Georgia Tech to graduate in 1946 and separated from the Navy as a Lieutenant in 1953. The Navy inspired a serious discipline and purpose to Bill's life as he went on to become a dedicated husband, father, and successful businessman. Bill married Alice in 1976 and with his 3 children and her 4 children, the two of them created a family of adults who love, honor, and respect them both. Bill is survived by his wife, Alice, children Susan, Betsy, Debra, Mary, Rick, and Anna and their husbands and partners; 6 grandchildren and 9 greatgrandchildren as well as many friends with Knights of Columbus, Legion of Valor, and the staff and parishioners at St. Michael's, St. Jude's and St. Gregory's churches. Bill served his community in many unsung ways, and served his church in as many ways and as often as he could. Service to others was a very important part of who he was. A Rosary and Visitation, and the Funeral Mass will be held at St. Michael the Archangel Catholic Church, 411 Paula Road, McKinney, TX. The Rosary and Visitation will be Sunday, October 7 at 7:30 p.m. and the Funeral Mass October 8, at 9:30 a.m. with a reception following. Bill's wishes would be in lieu of flowers for donations to be sent to St. Vincent de Paul Food Bank at St. Michael's (address above) or to the Military Order of the Purple Heart – Chapter 542. C/O Paul Reed, Adjunct P.O. Box 3461 McKinney, TX 75070