William C Herrmann Jr.

After an extended illness, William C. “Bill” Herrmann passed away Friday, August 24. 2018. He was 75. Bill was born in Eugene, Oregon on April 2, 1943. He attended the University of Oklahoma where he received an academic scholarship and earned degrees in Meteorology and Mathematics. Upon graduation, he began his career as a meteorologist at the National Weather Service where he worked for over 30 years. Bill served as mentor, teacher, and friend to a legion of fellow meteorologists who he considered family.

Bill, aka “Gumpy” or “The Gump” was known for his sense of humor, quick wit, endless knowledge, and legendary 3 AM emails. He studied the Alamo, Knights Templar, geology, physics, and hydrology. He was an avid fantasy sports aficionado and passionate storyteller, enjoyed looking for Indian artifacts, followed the Lewis and Clark expedition, loved big breakfasts, thunderstorms, PayDay candy bars, road trips, Linda Rondstadt, and all sports, baseball and college football in particular – especially his beloved Oklahoma Sooners and UAB Blazers. He was a truth seeker, fact finder, champion of social justice, avid debater, and solid advice giver. He treasured his time with his fantasy league buddies and his best friends, Dave Wilfing, Kevin Pence, and Ken Lorek, going to football games, bowling, and concerts. He was interesting, genuine, thoughtful, extremely intelligent, and such a kind, compassionate man. He was one of the good guys.

Bill is survived by his wife of 33 years, Jane Herrmann, his sister, Marie “Anne” Curl, his children, Mike Estes (Candy), Chenise Ryan (Joe), Monica Levene (Doug) and Randy Herrmann, and his grandchildren, whom he adored, Jennifer and Jonathan as well as a host of friends, family and a brotherhood of meteorologists. He is preceded in death by his parents, William C. Herrmann, Sr. and Marvie Iva Jo Herrmann, his brother, Joe Herrmann, and sisters, Judith Sparkman, and Pamela Herrmann.

Per Bill’s wishes, there will be no service.