Willie (Bill) Edward Erwin was born on November 6, 1933 on a farm just north of Chickasha, Oklahoma. He was raised mostly on a farm in the Jack Hollow area north of Chickasha. He attended the Meridian community school, where he graduated high school as a co-valedictorian with one of his best friends, Jim Barnett. Learning the value of honesty and hard work on the farm in his early life went a long way towards shaping the steadfast man he became.
Bill was always an avid sportsman. He loved both athletic sports and field sports. He played basketball and baseball in high school. He developed a love for both fishing and hunting and enjoyed both of these activities for most of his life. In particular he loved hunting quail and pheasant with his beloved hunting dogs. After he retired he took up golfing and enjoyed many years of friendship with his golfing buddies.
He met the love of his life, Virginia Cole, in Chickasha. They were married November 28, 1955 in Lawton, Oklahoma. Yes, they eloped. A few years later, Bill returned to college to finish his engineering degree. He then enjoyed a long and successful career in engineering and executive management at the Federal Aviation Administration headquarters in Oklahoma City. He retired as Chief of Staff to the Executive Director.
He raised his family in Bethany, Oklahoma. He took his sons Robert and Steve hunting and fishing whenever possible. This was among the most precious gifts he gave to his sons. They both developed a deep love for the great outdoors. Both boys enjoyed a lifelong passion for outdoor sports. The Erwin family also enjoyed countless wonderful days of water skiing with friends on every Oklahoma lake that could float a boat. As well as many family vacations in Hot Springs, Arkansas with the families of some of his old college friends. Moss never grew under this man’s feet.
Bill was a steadfast friend to all who had the good luck to come into his acquaintance. He was loved by many lifelong friends, and admired by many more. He leaves a great legacy and a thankful family in his wake. He was our rock.
He is preceded in death by his parents, Ona Louis Erwin and Gracie Lou (Higgins) Erwin, a sister Cora Marie (Erwin) Phelps, a brother Louis Odell Erwin, and granddaughter Melody Janelle Erwin. He is survived by his bride Virginia, brother Thomas Calvin Erwin, sister Mary Lee (Erwin) Hornbuckle, and brother James Ray Erwin. He is also survived by his sons Robert Lynn Erwin and Steven Craig Erwin, as well as many grandchildren and great-grandchildren.
The Celebration of Life for Willie will take place on Friday, December 13, 2024, at Buchanan Funeral Service 8712 N Council Rd. Oklahoma City, OK 73132.
