I first met Bill when I interviewed at Williams International, [then Williams Research Corporation] in the early 70's.. He, John Jones and Paul Wise all took me to lunch at their favorite eatery in West Bloomfield. Bill was always available to say a few words to less experienced engineers. Always interested in what we thought and very easy to talk to. I'm glad I was able to chat with him at the last WI Retirees luncheon and talk about gas turbines and the possibility of using them as auxiliary power units on hybrid cars.
A gentle soul and a great teacher - God bless him!

I was so sorry to hear of Bill's passing. I enjoyed meeting both Bill and Helen when his brother, my stepfather, Bob passed.  We shared many good memories.  Bob took me to see one of the turbine prototypes when I was young, very interesting. Please know you are in our thoughts and prayers.

I worked with Bill at Williams International. Shortly after I started there, he stopped by my desk and dropped off a technical paper that was written by my father, who was an acquaintance of his at Chrysler. It had drawings and calculations done by my dad. I always thought that was a pretty nice thing for Bill to do. Bill was in charge of one of our development programs at the time, so he didn't really know me from Adam. I never heard him raise his voice in anger. Great guy.

I had the pleasure of working closely with Bill for a number of years at Williams International and enjoyed every moment. I was never able to shake his faith in the automotive gas turbine.

I was sad to hear of Bill's passing. I met Bill at his brother Bob's memorial service a few years ago. I remember the sweet face and twinkle in his eyes. I did not know him long but I had heard stories about him for years. I'm sure he will be greatly missed.

Bill and Helen have been neighbors and friends for 35 years.  They are two of the kindest and most thoughtful people I have ever met.  We will miss him.

I am very sorry to here of Bill's passing.  I enjoyed visiting with Bill while he was consulting and I was part time at Williams.  He discussed many gas turbine engines he worked on during his long career.  I particularly enjoyed his discussion of the Ford engine for large trucks.

Bill was a true gentleman and a soft spoken engineer, a one-of-a-kind mentor for me at Williams.  I loved his 'file by pile' office as it was refreshing and he always knew where to find everything.

I had the honor of working with Bill at Williams International on several advanced projects. He was a quiet man possessed with unbelievable talent and respected by his peers. We will miss him.

I regret never contacting Bill, his work on turbine engines is well known and extensive.  My deepest condolences to the family in this time of loss.

Memorial Visitation

Memorial Service

Pixley Funeral Home

William Chapman

immediate need

Death has occurred or is near

plan ahead

Pre-plan a funeral or cremation

Plan a Funeral or Cremation Default Desktop

OBITUARY

William Irvin Chapman

January 2, 1921 – April 18, 2014

Pixley Funeral Home - John Desmond Chapel

Show your support

Add a Memory

Share Obituary

Get Reminders

Services