Colonel Bill Jim Ravey

February 17, 1923 - April 18, 2017

Bill J. Ravey, Colonel United States Air Force, retired, passed peacefully of natural causes on April 18, 2017. He was born the 17th of February 1923 in Fort Worth, Texas, attended the North Texas Agricultural and Mechanical College, and served in the Air Force from 1943 until he retired in 1974. During his career he served as a fighter pilot in WWII in the China Burma India Theater. He received numerous awards during his 31-year career including the Legion of Merit for his service at Clark Field in the Philippines 1967-70. Bill, like many others during this era of military service, was a true leader. Additional noteworthy things about his career include:

-was a combat fighter pilot before getting a driver's license;

-flew a P-51 Mustang fighter over Mt. Everest at 33, 200 feet;

-saw the Great Wall of China in WWII and witnessed Shanghai celebrating the end of the war; -

witnessed the first thermonuclear bomb test (Bikini Atoll) and 59 other nuclear tests when he served as the safety and supply officer for the program under Dr. Al Graves, Test Director for the Atomic Energy Commission and Chief of Staff Omar Bradley;

-he saved countless lives over his career; and

-taught many how to serve others, by his example.

Colonel Ravey was an active veteran of the First Air Commandos-China Burma India Theater, was a member of the First United Methodist Church of Bryan, the Masonic Lodge, the Sojourners, and the Scottish Rite.

His dedication and fearless commitment carried over into his home life being lovingly devoted and supportive of his family. His favorite hobby was spending time with his grandchildren who affectionately call him "Pawpaw". Additional hobbies and interests included travel, genealogy, playing dominos and cards, and amateur radio.

Colonel Ravey is preceded in death by his parents, Edward Emanuel and Ruth Sylvira Ravey; his beloved first wife Mary Katherine Major Ravey; and his siblings Jane Giegoldt, Edward Ravey, Joe Fred Ravey and Beverly Fischer who all welcomed him to Heaven upon his passing.

He leaves behind his loving second wife, Margaret Cook Lambert Ravey; his precious children, son Bill R. Ravey & wife Linda L. Ravey of Bryan, son Terry E. Ravey & wife Sheila Carroll of Guffey, Colorado, daughter Mary Ann Ravey Field & husband Doug Field, daughter Katherine J. Ravey Tuttle & husband Jim Tuttle of Monterey, California; 13 grandchildren and their spouses, 17 great children, 3 great-great grandchildren, numerous cousins, nieces and nephews.

Visitation will be held on Friday, April 21, 2017 from 6pm to 8pm at Hillier Funeral Home in Bryan. The memorial service will be held on Saturday, April 22, 2017 at 10:30 am at Hillier Funeral Home located at 2301 East 29th Street, Bryan, TX 77802. A graveside service will be held on Monday, April 24 at 3:00 p.m. at Davidson Cemetery in Strawn, Texas.

In lieu of flowers and as an expression of sympathy memorial contributions may made to:Wounded Warrior Project, PO Box 758517, Topeka, Kansas 66675-8517, Tel: 904.296.7350, woundedwarriorproject.org.

Please visit Col. Ravey's tribute page at www.hillierfuneralhome.com to share memories and stories.