William Grusy

PEORIA - William A. "Bill" Grusy, 92, of Georgetown, Texas, formerly of Peoria, Ill., passed away and went to his Lord and Savior on Tuesday, Oct. 1, 2013.

He was born in Briceton, Ohio, on July 13, 1921.

In 1942, he enlisted in the U.S. Army as an aviation cadet and enjoyed a distinguished military career. He trained at various Texas air bases and was awarded his pilot's wings in late 1943. Thereafter, he trained as a fighter pilot, flying P-40 and P-51 aircraft. Then, he was transferred to Europe. While in Europe during World War II, he flew missions from France, Luxembourg, Belgium, Holland and Germany, in support of allied ground forces. The standard combat tour was 75 missions, but a pilot shortage was experienced in the spring of 1945, as the war in Europe was winding down and pilots were diverted to the Pacific. Consequently, he volunteered to fly with his squadron until the end of the war and finished his tour by flying 82 missions. Following Bill's return to the U.S., he was selected to be a member of the first jet-equipped unit in the U.S. Air Force. Later, he was transferred to Japan to assist in establishing the first overseas jet unit and was a member of the first jet flight over Japan. Next, Bill spent 4 1/2 years as a test pilot at Wright Field in Ohio. Here he was required to fly a large number of different types of aircraft, of which many had twin engines. During this time, he experienced four engine failures, which were under very difficult circumstances. Three of these are included in a book titled "Test Flying at Old Wright Field." Bill was a member of the Mach Buster's Club and the Wright Stuff Association. From Wright Field, Bill embarked on another combat tour, flying F-80 fighter-bomber jets in Korea. This tour consisted of flying 100 missions. Bill considered himself to be richly blessed while flying his combat tours, as his plane sustained damage from enemy ground fire during both tours, and while in Korea he executed a crash landing. In 1963, Bill retired in the grade of lieutenant colonel, with more than 5,000 hours of flying time in military aircraft. His combat awards include two Distinguished Flying Crosses, 17 Air Medals and the Meritorious Service medal.

Following his retirement from the Air Force, he completed his B.S. degree, an M.S. degree and later received a federal grant to pursue his Ph.D. from Texas A&M University.

Then he taught at a high school, a community college and spent the last eight years of his second career as the director of the Post-secondary Division of Technical Programs in Texas.

Bill was preceded in death by his wife of 62 years, Hazel Alene, in 2009.

He will be greatly and deeply missed by his three children, Melody (Al), Lexie (John) and Bill II (Theresa); five grandchildren; and six great-grandchildren.

A funeral service will be at 10 a.m. Monday, Oct. 14, 2013, in the Chapel of Ramsey Funeral Home in Georgetown, Texas. Graveside services and burial will be at Central Texas State Veterans Cemetery, following the service.

You may share a message or memory in the memorial guest book at www.RamseyFuneral.com.

Arrangements made under the care and guidance of Ramsey Funeral Home, 5600 Williams Drive, Georgetown, Texas. (512) 869-7775.