Capt. William Francis Linnehan, IV

Captain William Francis "Bill" Linnehan IV, age 73, passed away on April 1, 2025, in Virginia Beach, Virginia. A dedicated Marine, public servant, and family man, Bill devoted his life to service—both in uniform and as a civilian—leaving behind a legacy of leadership and commitment.

Born on August 26, 1951, in Detroit, Michigan, Bill’s early years laid the foundation for a life defined by purpose and achievement. He earned a Bachelor of Arts in Political Science from the College of the Holy Cross and later received a Master of Arts in Human Resources Management from Pepperdine University. In 2018, Bill achieved the American Hotel & Lodging Educational Institute’s Certified Hotel Administrator (CHA) certification; a prestigious, industry-recognized certification that validates advanced knowledge and leadership skills in hotel management. His military education included the United States Marine Corps Basic Course; Marine Officer Basic, and Advanced, Communications Courses; Marine Command and Staff College; and the United States Army’s Airborne Jump School at Fort Benning, Georgia, where he earned his jump wings.

Bill began his military career in 1973 as a communications officer in the United States Marine Corps. Over eleven years of active duty service, he was stationed in Japan and Washington D.C., where he led with integrity and vision. Of note was his leadership during the annual Operation Team Spirit exercise, between the Republic of Korea and United States forces. Bill took great pride in leading Marine communications teams during these complex operations. He was also recognized as a qualified rifle sharpshooter and pistol expert.

Following his active duty service, Bill continued to support the Marine Corps as a GS civilian from 1986 until his retirement in 2022. He served in Japan, stationed at Marine Corps Camp Fuji and Marine Corps Camp Butler; supported operations at Marine Corps Air Station Iwakuni, Japan, and Marine Corps Camp Mujuk, Republic of Korea; deployed to two locations in Australia; and concluded his career at Marine Corps Camp Blaz, Joint Region Marianas, Guam. In these roles within Marine Corps Community Services (MCCS), he held progressively senior leadership positions, overseeing a wide range of programs including billeting facilities, libraries, education offices, off-duty education and testing programs, counseling and family advocacy services, professional development centers, substance abuse programs, child development centers, outdoor recreation facilities, and more.

Throughout his civilian service, Bill remained steadfast in his mission to improve the quality of life for Marines and their families. Among his proudest accomplishments were securing the first Council on Accreditation recognition for an entire MCCS organization within the Marine Corps; developing a successful business plan to acquire an off-base hotel to expand transient lodging; earning recognition as “Best in the Pacific” military lodging facility by Stars and Stripes Newspaper readers in both 2016 and 2018; achieving the first US Marine Corps Premier Library recognition for six full-service libraries on Okinawa serving over 500,000 patrons annually; and earning industry certification from the American Hotel & Lodging Educational Institute in 2018. In addition to these achievements, Bill deployed for 30 days to the Royal Australian Army Robertson Barracks in Darwin; and the Bradshaw Field Training Area in the Australian Outback, Northern Territory, Australia, where he provided recreation activities supporting the 1st Battalion, 4th Marine Regiment.

Bill’s professional accomplishments were matched by his devotion to family. He was an especially caring, loving, thoughtful, and generous husband to his wife Joan Ymbong Linnehan. Bill leaves behind his son, William F. Linnehan V; his brother Garrett B. Linnehan; and his sisters Ellen M. Roberson and Holly K. Reagan. He was preceded in death by his parents, William F. Linnehan III and Katherine Brigid Linnehan; and his brother James M. Linnehan.

He also cherished and adored his two boys and loyal Shih tzu‘s Max and Eisa, and completely spoiled them. Max and Eisa brought love, joy, and companionship to Bill through his final days.

Bill loved to travel with Joan, across Asia, Europe and the United States. He enjoyed exploring new cultures and visiting family and friends around the world. He valued his friendships and worked to maintain strong ties across the years and miles.

Bill spent many happy hours reading world and military history. He also enjoyed military thrillers, and some of his favorite authors included David Baldacci and Tom Clancy. Bill was a daily listener of the Shawn Ryan Show podcast.

Bill loved the ocean, going to the beach, and scuba diving. He attained Master Scuba Diver, the highest recreational level certification. In his youth, Bill was a member of the Milton High School wrestling team. He also enjoyed traditional Japanese martial arts practicing jiu jitsu, karate, and taekwondo for many years.

Bill was a lifelong member of the Roman Catholic Church. He served as a Knight of Columbus, during his years in Okinawa, Japan. Bill was also a member of the Free Masons, to include the National Sojourners; the Shrine Club; and attained the Scottish Rite of 32nd degree.

A Celebration of Life will be held on Wednesday, April 16, 2025, from 2:00 PM at Smith and Williams Funeral Home, located at 4889 Princess Anne Road in Virginia Beach, Virginia.

A graveside service with military honors will follow on Thursday, April 17, 2025, at 1:30 PM at Quantico National Cemetery, located at 18424 Joplin Road in Triangle, Virginia.

Captain William Francis Linnehan IV served with honor across continents and decades. May his memory bring comfort to those who knew him and inspiration to all who follow in his footsteps of service.