William B Hirons

He is survived by his children, Molly Hirons Lewis (John) and Allen Russell Hirons(Karen), four grandsons, and five great- grandchildren. He was predeceased by his wife of 49 years, “Rusty” Eleanor Lee Russell Hirons, mother of Molly and Allen, in 1994 and by his second wife, Marjorie North Hirons, who died in January.

Bill Hirons was born in Wilmington, Delaware, and his parents were J. W. Hirons and Bernie May Walls. During WW II he served in the U. S. Army as a navigator in B-24s and flew 51 combat missions, mainly over the “Hump”. He received the Distinguished Flying Cross and the Air Medal. He graduated from Dartmouth College and Dartmouth’s Tuck Business School.

In a 35 year career with the DuPont Company, Bill worked in the U.S, Holland, Switzerland and the United Kingdom. He served over 9 years as Managing Director of DuPont United Kingdom in London, and retired as Assistant Director of DuPont Europe, Middle East and Africa in Wilmington.

Bill enjoyed golf and tennis, helped to raise money for New College, supported Sarasota Memorial Hospital, provided business advice to associates, and enjoyed the company of many friends. He was a devoted husband, father and grandfather.

A member of the Church of the Palms and a life-long Presbyterian, Bill exemplified Christian ideals in every aspect of his life. Dr. Alan Rodda from the Church, who visited him often during the end of Bill’s life, conducted a graveside service for the family which included military honors.

The Hirons family has a long association with Goldey-Beacom College in Wilmington, Delaware. Bill’s father was President of Beacom College. Bill was named for its founder. Contributions in memory of Bill may be made to the Hirons Family Scholarship at Goldey-Beacom College, 4701 Limestone Road, Wilmington, DE , 19808, attention Gary Wirt, President.