WILLIAM LAW, USNR WWII - NAS BANANA RIVER
Our condolences to the family of Museum member Mr. William Law, 86, who passed away Wednesday, August 20, 2015.
Bill was born May 22, 1929 to parents, John and Lillian Law of Lake Worth Florida. He enlisted in the United States Navy at the age of 14 and served for 3 years. He received an honorary High School diploma from the State of Florida for his service in World War II. William had several different duties while in the navy, but the most important included flying, and aircraft maintenance during the war.
William, Bill to his friends, graduated from Embry Riddle School of Aviation in Florida, on March 25, 1949. Moving from Delta Airlines to U.S. Airlines, after marrying Clara Maxine Law, they moved to Fort Lauderdale, Florida in 1951. Bill owned his first plane, an Aeonca K, which was one of the first airplanes tied down at Fort Lauderdale airport-- after the navy moved off at the end of WWII. He owned and flew various types of planes for many years. At U.S. Airlines, a cargo carrier, he flew and serviced numerous aircraft. In 1953, after layoffs and inconsistent airline work, he worked as a Florida State Trooper until 1958. Then, he began his career with Eastern Airlines in aircraft maintenance. Before retiring at Eastern Airlines as a Shift Manager, supervising Technical Supervisors at Miami Technical Control Center, his occupation took him to multiple stations in Europe including Spain, the United Kingdom, Germany, and North Africa. His closing employment included Manager of Technical Supervisor at Butler Aviation, Sun Coast Airlines, Continental Airlines (as Maintenance Vice President), and International air leases from the U.S. into Europe.
In later years, he volunteered and enjoyed his time at the Naval Air Station Fort Lauderdale Museum, collecting, displaying memorabilia, and sharing stories with friends at the museum. This included historical artifacts from the missing “Flight 19” planes and pilots from December 5, 1945. He also spent his time writing a book with stories of his early childhood days in the navy, and periods of time in South Florida. His book of memoirs is exhibited at the Museum.
Our condolences to the family of Museum member Mr. William Law, 86, who passed away Wednesday, August 20, 2015.
Bill was born May 22, 1929 to parents, John and Lillian Law of Lake Worth Florida. He enlisted in the United States Navy at the age of 14 and served for 3 years. He received an honorary High School diploma from the State of Florida for his service in World War II. William had several different duties while in the navy, but the most important included flying, and aircraft maintenance during the war.
William, Bill to his friends, graduated from Embry Riddle School of Aviation in Florida, on March 25, 1949. Moving from Delta Airlines to U.S. Airlines, after marrying Clara Maxine Law, they moved to Fort Lauderdale, Florida in 1951. Bill owned his first plane, an Aeonca K, which was one of the first airplanes tied down at Fort Lauderdale airport-- after the navy moved off at the end of WWII. He owned and flew various types of planes for many years. At U.S. Airlines, a cargo carrier, he flew and serviced numerous aircraft. In 1953, after layoffs and inconsistent airline work, he worked as a Florida State Trooper until 1958. Then, he began his career with Eastern Airlines in aircraft maintenance. Before retiring at Eastern Airlines as a Shift Manager, supervising Technical Supervisors at Miami Technical Control Center, his occupation took him to multiple stations in Europe including Spain, the United Kingdom, Germany, and North Africa. His closing employment included Manager of Technical Supervisor at Butler Aviation, Sun Coast Airlines, Continental Airlines (as Maintenance Vice President), and International air leases from the U.S. into Europe.
In later years, he volunteered and enjoyed his time at the Naval Air Station Fort Lauderdale Museum, collecting, displaying memorabilia, and sharing stories with friends at the museum. This included historical artifacts from the missing “Flight 19” planes and pilots from December 5, 1945. He also spent his time writing a book with stories of his early childhood days in the navy, and periods of time in South Florida. His book of memoirs is exhibited at the Museum.
