William Harold Lucas

Bill grew up in Laurel, MS., graduating from Chamberlain Hunt Military Academy. In 1944 Bill enlisted in the US Navy, serving his country during WWII, and was honorably discharged in 1946.

He married his sweetheart Bettye Lightsey also from Laurel, MS, in 1950. They enjoyed 72 wonderful years together before his passing.

Bill graduated from the University of Southern Mississippi and started his career working on the Gulf Coast as a Party Chief in oil exploration.

In 1964, he moved his young family to Bellevue, WA, to accept a position with National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA). Bill loved the open water and felt very fortunate that his work allowed him to travel the world by sea. Bill spent many years working for NOAA in Geology, Oceanography, Seismology, and studying Plate Tectonics. Bill also worked with the US Army Corps of Engineers where he designed and implemented the rebuilding of the North Jetty in Ocean Shores, WA.

Bill was diligent in pursuing good health and fitness throughout his long life. He enjoyed nature and the great outdoors and was an avid horticulturist on his 4-acre estate. He had a love for the open water and spent many happy hours on his boat, “The Lucky Luke” in Puget Sound with his wife and family.

Bill is proceeded in death by his parents Benjamin Walton Lucas and Ruby Meador Lucas; two sisters, Evelyn Lois Jackson, and Mildred Stevens Edwards.

Bill leaves behind his beloved wife Bettye Lightsey Lucas; daughters, Mary Anderson, Karen Miller, Patricia (Robert) Richardson; grandson, Lucas (Kyli) Anderson; granddaughters, Kimberley Miller, Rebecca (Peter) Beard; great-granddaughter Hannah Anderson; and many nieces and nephews.

A private family service will be held at Sunset Hills Memorial Park & Funeral Home in Bellevue, WA on April 4, 2023, at 10:30 am. Bill will be laid to rest with a full Military Honors at the Tahoma National Cemetery in Kent, WA on April 4, 2023, at 1:00 pm.