LTC (Ret) William J. "Bill" Windham

William J. “Bill” Windham, 88, of Midland, Georgia, passed peacefully in his home on October 17, 2023. A visitation to celebrate the life of Bill will be held on Tuesday, October 24, 2023, at Striffler-Hamby Mortuary, 4071 Macon Road, Columbus, Georgia 31907. A graveside service will be held at Gardens of Memory Cemetery on Wednesday, October 25, 2023, 6200 HWY 431 N., Headland, Alabama 36345.

Bill’s pride and joy was his family farm in Headland, Alabama, which has been in the family for 200 years. A native of Dothan, Alabama, Bill began his Military journey when he was 17 years old and served in the Korean War. Afterwards, he attended the University of Alabama’s ROTC program where he achieved the rank of Cadet Colonel of the ROTC Corps of Cadets his senior year. Bill then was selected for the Infantry and reported to Fort Benning for his Infantry Officer training. He was an Airborne Ranger and graduate of all major career courses offered by the infantry school. He retired as a Lieutenant Colonel in 1980 after serving in the Vietnam, and Panama Canal Zone wars. After graduating from the Armed Forces Staff College in 1967, he held a succession of key assignments including that of Plans Officer for Joint U.S. Command, Canal Zone. Bill held a bachelor’s degree from University of Alabama, and master’s degree in Administration and Supervision from Troy State University. Later on, he served as a Professor of Military Science at Columbus College. LTC. William Windham was appointed the Director of Civil Defense for the City of Columbus, Georgia, just after retirement from the Army. During his later years in the Army, he joined the Rotary Club and remained a member from 1978 – 2021. After retiring, he noticed there was not any hotels on what is now Highway 280, and saw a business opportunity. He opened the Crawford Motor Inn to offer a resting place to those traveling to the football games from Auburn University in Auburn, Alabama. Bill will be missed by those who knew and loved him.

Bill is survived by his wife, Gwendolyn J. Windham; Daughter, Leah Cadoura (Gary); Grandson, William Cadoura (Jennifer); and Granddaughter, Abigail Cadoura.

Bill is preceded in death by his Son, David B. Windham.

Fond memories and expressions of sympathy may be shared at www.shcolumbus.com for the Windham family.