William T. Pilgrim was born November 5, 1925, in Tulsa, Oklahoma, to Arthur Augustus and Carrie L. (Dickson) Pilgrim. He died Saturday, September 5, 2015, in Tyler, Texas, at the age of 89 years. William completed his secondary education in Tulsa and joined the United States Navy as a Navy Signalman for an aircraft carrier. He served his country honorably during World War II and then later in the Korean War. He was married September 11, 1948, in Tulsa, Oklahoma, to Madeline Elaine Wood. They had made their home in Owasso, Oklahoma, since 1969. William continued his education attending the Spartan School of Aeronautics. He became a licensed A & P mechanic with American Airlines in Tulsa before retiring as an Inspector Mechanic after nearly 37 years. While with American Airlines, he was a member of the fire brigade. He had earned his private pilot’s license, was a certified scuba diver, and made his first free fall skydive at age 60. He was also an avid gun collector and enjoyed attending gun shows, car shows and air shows. William enjoyed a variety of pastimes including taking apart and rebuilding engines. He loved to read and was self-taught in many of the areas of his learned skills.
Loving family members include:
Two daughters and sons-in-law;
Karen and Joe Wylie, of Tyler, Texas
Kelli and Doug Driver, of Owasso
He has seven grandchildren, 12 great grandchildren, and a host of nieces, nephews, and other relatives and friends. He was preceded in death by his parents, his wife Madeline, daughter, Sheila Holt, two brothers, and two sisters.
Funeral service was held Thursday, September 10, 2015, at the Mowery Funeral Service Chapel in Owasso with Joe Wylie officiating. Committal service and interment followed at Fairview Cemetery in Owasso. Arrangements and services were entrusted to Mowery Funeral Service of Owasso.
www.moweryfs.com
