William Samuel O’Gwynn February 03, 1930 – January 20, 2019 Share this obituary Send Sympathy Gifts Sign Guestbook| View Guest Book Entries| Send Private Condolences| Send Sympathy Card Col. William Samuel “Willie Sam” O’Gwynn was born February 3, 1930 at Lenox, AL to Samuel Bowen O’Gwynn and Sallie Mae Howington O’Gwynn. He died January 20, 2019 at Monroe County Hospital.
He was preceded in death by his parents, his stepfather, Arthur Nations, and half-sister, Flora Marie Nations Armstrong. He is survived by his devoted wife of many years, Judith Carter O’Gwynn, one son, William Matthew O’Gwynn, numerous cousins, sisters-in-law, numerous nephews, nieces and grand nephews and grand nieces. He loved his family and church family (United Methodist) and was an avid outdoorsman, enjoying fishing and hunting-especially white tail deer and wild turkey.
In high school, he was County Secretary of the Future Farmers of America, quarterback of his football team and also lettered in basketball and baseball. He graduated with honors from the University of Nebraska, Omaha, majoring in Political Science. He served more than 33 years (as a non-commissioned officer and as a commissioned officer) in the United States Air Force, retiring December 10, 1981 as a Colonel (Director of Battle Management and Electronic Combat Operations at the Tactical Air Command Headquarters).
He was a command pilot with 5,000 hours of pilot flying time, having flown fourteen different types of aircraft, including duty as Commander of a Combat Aircrew. He served at all organizational levels of the Air Force (flight, detachment, squadron, group, wing, task force, air division, numbered Air Force, major air command and on the headquarter’s staff at the Pentagon). His awards and decorations include: the Legion of Merit (2 awards), the Meritorious Service Medal (2 awards), the Air Force Commendation Medal, the Air Force Outstanding Unit Award, the (Army) Good Conduct Medal, Army of Occupation Medal, the Medal for Humane Action, National Defense Service Medal (2 awards), the Air Force Longevity Ribbon with one Silver Oak Leaf Cluster and two bronze Oak Leaf Clusters, the Small Arms Expert Marksman Ribbon, Republic of Korea, Korean War, Service Medal, the Berlin Airlift Device, and Republic of China Command pilot Wings.
He was an “outstanding graduate” of the Air Force Administration School, a “distinguished graduate” of the Air Force officer Candidate School, “outstanding graduate” of U.S.A.F. pilot training, and “outstanding graduate” of the U.S.A.F. Instrument Pilot Instructor School.
Graduate of the Air University Squadron Officer School (honored by being awarded his Seminar’s Pennant), “outstanding graduate” of Air Combat Crew Commander School, “distinguished graduate” of U.S.A.F. Air command and Staff College, graduate of the Joint Chiefs of Staff National Defense University Industrial College of the Armed Forces, and “select graduate” of the JCS National Defense University Armed Forces Staff College. His professional organization memberships include the Air Force Association, the Military Officers Organization of America, the Pen and Sword Society, and formerly the Reserve Officer Association, (Chapter Secretary).
Funeral services will be Thursday, January 24, 2019 at 11:00 A.M. at the First United Methodist Church in Monroeville AL. Visitation will begin at 10:00 A.M. at the church. Burial will be Thursday, January 24, 2019 at 2:00 P.M. at Brushy Creek Cemetery in Lenox, AL In lieu of flowers, donations can be made to your charity of choice or the Methodist’s Children’s Home.
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