William Darby

William L. Darby, Jr. (Lanny), age 69, longtime resident of South Houston and Deer Park, passed away Sunday August 10th, 2014 peacefully at his home in San Antonio. Services are scheduled for 11 AM Thursday August 14th, 2014 at Waco Memorial Park Mausoleum in Waco, Texas and the family will receive visitors beginning at 10 AM. Burial will follow at Waco Memorial Park. The family requests donations to the American Diabetes Association in lieu of flowers.

William L. Darby, Jr. (Lanny) was born February 13th, 1945 in Houston, Texas. Lanny was a South Houston and Deer Park resident for over 60 years and a San Antonio resident for 5 years, a retired Chief Petty Officer of the United States Navy, a diligent class one machinist and millwright, a loving and devoted father, and a proud grandfather.

The foundation on which Lanny built his life was his devotion to his family, duty to Country, dedication to his work, and his deep rooted Faith. Lanny was known by his family and friends for his relentless work ethic, his ironclad dependability, his straightforward honesty, and his unwavering diligence in all tasks no matter how seemingly trivial or mundane. Lanny was of strong moral fiber, and had an unrelenting faith in Jesus Christ. He accepted Christ as his Savior at the First Baptist Church of South Houston, Texas in 1952.

Of his accomplishments, Lanny took the most pride and joy in his service to his country, his work, and his family. Lanny enlisted in the United States Navy in 1965 and proudly served two years as a Chief Petty Officer and Flight Deck Director on the U.S.S. Intrepid (CVS-11) in the Vietnam War. He retired honorably in 1968. During Lanny's time in the Navy, he served to help the Intrepid and its crew play a key role in supporting the Pacific Fleet off the coast of Vietnam. Here, her gallant pilots, aided by the flight deck crews, delivered powerful blows for freedom and scored what is believed to be one of the fastest aircraft launching times recorded by an American carrier.

Lanny diligently worked in the plants and refineries near the Houston Ship Channel as a class one machinist and millwright where he retired in 2007 after 43 years. In his time there, Lanny worked for Crown Central Petroleum and MEMC Electronic Materials where he toiled long hours in all types of weather, and worked countless nightshifts many times on holidays and weekends. Along the way, he won the respect of his co-workers, became a skilled machinist and millwright and forged many lasting friendships. Lanny was very fond of his time at the plants and would oftentimes tell one of his many "war stories" from his working years.

Lanny's love for his daughter Nicole (Nikki) and grandsons brought him to San Antonio. His pride and joy was his grandsons, Wade and Weston, and he spent a fair amount of his retirement time attending their many school functions, sporting events and birthday parties. Their education was a priority to Lanny, and he was very proactive in assisting in any way he could. He was an avid sportsman and found joy playing golf, much like his father, especially in the final months of his life. Another favorite pastime of his was watching motorsports and he especially loved stock car and drag racing.

Lanny loved and respected the United States Military and those heroes that have served. He was always the first to remove his hat and give thanks to a fellow veteran to show his deep appreciation. Oftentimes he would tear-up with pride and honor when describing the heroics of our servicemen.

Lanny will be missed dearly by his loving daughter Nicole Dillard, husband Gary, their sons Wade and Weston; His sister Sandra Clark, husband Kenny; His Nephew Ryan Clark, wife Krista, and their children Chelsea, Melody, and Miles. He was preceded in death by His parents, William Lanford Darby, Sr. and Mary Etta Darby.

SERVICE COMMENDATIONS:

NAVY UNIT COMMENDATION RIBBON

NATIONAL DEFENSE SERVICE MEDAL

VIETNAM CAMPAIGN MEDAL (WITH DEVICE)

VIETNAM SERVICE MEDAL (WITH ONE BRONZE STAR)

PALLBEARERS:

Kenny Clark - Lanny's Brother-In-Law

Ryan Clark - Lanny's Nephew

Gary Dillard - Lanny's Son-In-Law

Steve Dillard - Gary's Brother

David Dillard - Gary's Brother

Paul Griffith - Gary's Brother-In-Law

HONORABLE PALLBEARERS:

Don Geissen - Lanny's childhood friend

Don King - Lanny's long time friend & refinery co-worker

John Turner - Lanny's good friend

Otis Nixon- Lanny's childhood friend