Airlift Veteran and C-54 crewmember Bill Morrissey

Airlift48 · **Joined:** Sat Oct 29, 2005 7:01 pm **Posts:** 738

Saddened by the loss of my good friend Bill Morrissey. Bill was a 19 year old Air Traffic Controller during the Berlin Airlift (at RAF Celle), had a 20 year USAF career in ATC, and a 25 year career with the FAA. For the past 16 years, I've shared the skies and tarmac with Bill as crew of the C-54 "Spirit of Freedom" at airshows and events worldwide. He was always good for a laugh, sometimes embarrassingly so, but he was a great crewmember, mentor, friend, and also the Grandfather I never wanted.

He will be missed terribly by those that knew him, and many of you did.. Godspeed Billy.. See you 'round the campus....

_________________
Kevin Kearney
Vice President
Berlin Airlift Historical Foundation

C-54/R5D "Spirit of Freedom" BuNo 90414
C-97 "Angel of Deliverance" 52-2718

http://www.spiritoffreedom.org

Jerry O'Neill · **Posted:** Wed Apr 20, 2011 9:30 pm

Kevin;
My condolences to you and Bill's family.
Every time we worked the ramp and Bill was on the crew, we knew we would be entertained with some of his jokes.
We've all lost a good one. He will be missed.
Godspeed and blue skies, Bill.

Jerry

Warbird Kid · **Posted:** Wed Apr 20, 2011 10:00 pm

A sad thing to hear about.

my condolences. I will remember him when you bring the C 54 into Stratford in a few weeks.

richkolasa · **Posted:** Wed Apr 20, 2011 11:00 pm

My condolences and prayers to his family and friends. Godspeed Bill...

Rich

Nathan · **Posted:** Thu Apr 21, 2011 3:05 pm

Very sorry to hear of his loss.

planenutti · **Posted:** Thu Apr 21, 2011 4:46 pm

Kevin,
Sorry to hear about Billy. You are so right, he was always good for a laugh. Just talked to Buck and let him know. Can you provide any more details? PM will be fine.
Please express to his family the condolenses of the Old Dominion Squadron and all the usual suspects (we know who we are).
Want to lay odds that he was met at the bar by Darrell and Cherie? Can see/hear all three of them having a great time.
Fair winds and a following sea, Billy! You are missed already.
Bob

Zachary · **Posted:** Thu Apr 21, 2011 4:50 pm

Oh geez, I'm sorry to hear this news! I always enjoyed talking to Bill the few times I met him at various air shows. A real loss to the warbird community. My sincere condolences to all who knew him.

Zack

Airlift48 · **Joined:** Sat Oct 29, 2005 7:01 pm **Posts:** 738

I appreciate the sentiments fellas.. I will pass the info on. My main purpose for posting this here is to let the warbird folks know. Bill toured with us for 17 years or so and made quite an impression wherever he went. Bob, as soon as I know something more, I will pass it on to you and the ODS guys..

Kevin

Airlift48 · **Joined:** Sat Oct 29, 2005 7:01 pm **Posts:** 738

http://flyergroup.com/obituaries/x69808 ... f-Danville

Services Friday evening

Pat Carry · **Posted:** Sat Apr 23, 2011 11:01 am

Sorry to hear about the loss. Sounds like he will be sorely missed there.

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Airlift Veteran and C-54 crewmember Bill Morrissey

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