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BORN
1936
DIED
2021
FUNERAL HOME
247 North Tyndall Parkway
Panama City, Florida
William Foley Obituary
Panama City - William Walter Foley, a long time resident of Panama City, Florida, died peacefully at home on January 21, 2021 at the age of 84. He went by the name of Bill Foley but was best known to many as just "Foley".
Bill was preceded in death by his wife, Nancy Lee Wilson Foley. He is survived by his four children, Cindy Carson (Donald) of Easley, SC; Mike Foley (Sandra) of New Braunfels, TX; Katie Foley of Panama City, FL and Richard Foley of Tallahassee, FL. He is also survived by 2 grandchildren and 4 great-grandchildren.
Bill was born in Morristown, NJ on December 10, 1936. He enlisted in the Air Force in January, 1954 and spent the next 20 years serving his country, finally retiring in 1974 at Keesler AFB, MS. Immediately after retiring he learned to fly and became the Chief Flight Instructor at the Keesler AFB Aero Club for the next 4 years. Bill moved to Florida in 1978 and eventually became the Manager and Chief Flight Instructor of the Tyndall AFB, FL Aero Club. He received the Air Force Safety Award for 25 of his 33 years managing the club. Bill was proud of his safety achievements in an aviation environment. Bill was retired for several years preceding his death.
"Foley" spent time in his retirement interacting with his children and friends and enjoying life. He enjoyed working around the house and manicuring the yard for some of his hobbies. His real enjoyment was to make his rounds to the local neighborhood establishments and drink a few cold ones, flirting with the ladies and swapping stories with the men. He sure made a lot of friends along the way. Nobody could tell a joke like him. He loved his life and most everyone around him. He will be deeply missed by his friends, family and all who new him.
Bill will be cremated and his ashes will be spread over the gulf waters of Panama City by an old pilot friend. A Celebration of life will be held Thursday, February 4, starting at 3 PM at Daddy Frank's Bar 3955 E. Bus. Hwy 98. Come tell your favorite Foley stories. Condolences can be posted online at Heritage Funeral Home.
To plant trees in memory, please visit the Sympathy Store.
Memories and Condolences
for William Foley
Sponsored by The News Herald.
Sheila Gainous
December 6, 2024
On cold Sunday mornings I often think of Bill and our group meet ups at Ginnys where he would bring large containers of hot buttered rum and of course his unmatched wit and humor.
Gary Whitmore
December 4, 2024
I was doing research on the Keesler AFB Aero Club.
I was a member of that club from 1975 - 1976, and worked part-time there.
I ran across Bill's name for being the manager of the Tyndall AFB Aero Club.
Bill was my first instructor when going for my Private license in 1975. I had 12 hours of his great instructions.
Then I remember he was either married or living with Paula. She was the manager of the Keesler AFB Aero Club.
They would invite me to their home in Biloxi a few times.
What happened to Paula?
Edward King
June 26, 2023
Bill was an amazing Friend Boss and Pilot. I still remember asking for a wind check on final and he would say just Fn land the plane. Enjoy your last flight my friend
Sheila Gainous
February 1, 2021
He was a fun guy to be around and even though a huge flirt, always a gentleman. Always had a hug he would share.
Pat Foley McMillin
January 31, 2021
Loved my cousin "Billy". Wish we hadn't lost touch over the years. RIP.
Shannon Nelson
January 31, 2021
I knew Bill " Silver Fox" Foley for many years. Had soo many great laugh and times with him. Weather over a cold beer at which ever pub we ran into one another but the most remembering one's were at Bonita Bay :-) !
My husband and my prayers are with the family and Stacy God Bless.
JACK
January 29, 2021
Bill was a good guy. When I retired from the Air Force, I still wanted to fly so I joined the Aero Club. He always had things under control and everybody liked him. I made new flight manuals for the aircraft and he let me take an aircraft to Tallahassee for an avionics refit. I appreciated it and he did too. RIP Bill.
Cindy Wilson
January 29, 2021
Foley was definitely a do-er. I remember him helping me with some improvement in my front yard. He dug little trenches into which he put bricks to make edging. He always had a great yard and garden. And Bill was probably one of the most social people I've ever known. He brought the party when he showed up at a gathering! Bill was a good guy and will be missed by all his friends and family. I send my condolences to his children and all those who are suffering his loss.
DEBBIE W MITCHELL
January 29, 2021
I worked at the Outrigger Lounge about 40 years ago at the day bartender when I met Bill. He definitely could tell jokes! And yes he did love to flirt with the ladies! Godspeed my friend!
Michael Odom
January 26, 2021
Foley was the father of my wife Katie. I didnt know him for very long or very well but the time i did spend around him I saw he loved his daughter as well as any have ever even more than me. I respected him very much for his personality he was very blunt and hard man I wish i had a chance to get to know him better. I hope to meet him again someday may. R.I.P Foley
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