Born: March 2, 1930 in Fresno, California
Died: November 16, 2018 in Fresno, California
Bill Coughran became part of California State University Fresno (CSUF) in 1949 as an
accounting technician. He earned B.A. and M.A. degrees from CSU and in 1974 an Ed.D. from USC. After his first stint at CSUF, he served as an officer and pilot in the US Air Force (USAF). Following that and after a period in the private sector, he returned to CSUF in 1959 where he remained until 1993, serving in a variety of administrative and faculty positions, including VP of Finance (CFO) and Professor in the Department of Management and Marketing; he retired as a Professor Emeritus. Dr. Coughran became Business Administrator of The Peoples Church of Fresno in 1989. After retiring from CSUF, he took on the role full time, a role he relished and served in until his death. Christianity was a central part of his life and passion.He was also a patriot. After his initial tour in the USAF, he took on successive roles in the Air Force Reserve and then the California Air National Guard. Upon retirement in 1982, he was awarded the rank of Brigadier General.
He is survived by his wife of 67 years Marianne Coughran as well as his son William M.
Coughran Jr., daughter-in-law, Bridget, two grandchildren Megan and Brendan his granddaughter’s husband Andy, and one great grandchild Máire.
Services for Dr. Coughran will be held at 11:00 am, Saturday, December 1, 2018 at People's Church, 7172 North Cedar Avenue, Fresno, CA 93720.
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