Bill was born March 22, 1933, in Grand Rapids, MI. After graduating from Catholic Central High School he entered the Air Force. He is a graduate of numerous military schools, including Noncommissioned Officers Academy, Air Force Senior NCO Academy, and has an Associate Degree in Computer Programming from Communication College of the Air Force.  While in the Air Force he was stationed in various locations in the United States, i.e. Great Falls AFB, MT; Selfridge AFB, MI; Chanute AFB, IL; Crystal Springs, AFB, MS; Ent AFB, CO; and Hickam AFB, HI; as well as tours in Okinawa, Japan, and Vietnam.  His military decorations include the Bronze Star, Meritorious Service Medal with two Oak Leaf Clusters, Air Force Commendation Medal with three Oak Leaf Clusters, and thirteen other metals.

After retiring from the Air Force in 1980, he worked for Martin Marietta, where he retired in 1991. Bill and his wife, Alice reside in Colorado Springs.  They have two daughters, two sons, and six grandchildren.