William James Erwin, AK1 USN, 85, passed away on October 26, 2019 with his family by his side. Bill was born on August 30, 1934 in Clover Lick WV. His father, William, worked for the railroad and mother, Anne, a housewife. Bill’s siblings: Lamen, Julius, Robert, Paul, Babe, and Helen. Bill’s best friend, Bill Jackson, was a big part of his young life, and he told the stories of their adventures all of his life. Bill found the love of his life, Shelby, and they were married on November 18, 1955. Bill enlisted into the National Guard for 4 years before enlisting in the US Navy from which he retired after 22 years in Jacksonville, FL. Bill loved music, collecting coins, stamps, and crossword puzzles. He enjoyed building squirrel feeders and watching them eat. Friday nights were always family night, Bill’s kids and grandkids would come sit on the back porch, have a beer with him and listen to his stories. Bill would tell you that you got to have class to drink Michelob Ultra. In his life, he never met a stranger. He will be greatly missed.

Bill is survived by his wife, Shelby; daughters, Monica Seidl, Laura Jo Wells and Patti Martinez; son, Robert Erwin; 9 grandchildren and 15 great-grandchildren.

A memorial service will be held at 10:00am on Thursday, November 14, 2019 in the Broadus-Raines Chapel with Dr. Tim McDaniel officiating. Inurnment with full military honors will follow at 1:00pm at Jacksonville National Cemetery.