William Michael Quinn

22 July 1925 – 12 May 2026

He was the best husband and dad. For wife Shay, he was her best friend. For his kids, he was always affectionate and dependable. To his grandchildren he was the “ideal man”, both nurturing to his family and strong in the face of any adversity. His nieces, nephews, and friends remember him for his sense of humor. Always an athlete, Bill stayed in shape with racquetball when younger, running in the middle years and in his late 90s enjoyed walks in Gold Star Park.

Professionally, he was accomplished and admired. Bill was qualified to fly at least ten different aircraft. His proudest accomplishments included flying H-19 helicopters in the Air Rescue Service, flying C-131s for the Aeromedical Evacuation to move critically ill patients around the country, and providing key intelligence during the cold war by managing a super-secret program to use C-130 aircraft to catch film capsules from space in midair. Bill was also proud of his contributions to the ACES II ejection seat program credited with 600 saves. And despite coexisting with plutonium, Agent Orange, and various nerve agents, he enjoyed his last year as “King” of Johnston Atoll.

Bill enlisted in the Army Air Corp in 1943 to become an Aviation Cadet. He was assigned to 10 different bases, earned his wings, and was commissioned as a second lieutenant in 1945. Although WWII ended before he had the opportunity to fly fighter jets in combat, he knew that he wanted to continue to be a pilot. His path forward included four years at West Point, and another commission as an Air Force second lieutenant in 1951. The same day he received his commission, he married the love of his life, Shay Quinn. Moves to15 more bases would follow as he pursued 27 more years in the Air Force. Shay was the source of calm and composure that kept the family sane and turned every house into a home in each new location. After retirement from the Air Force, Bill and Shay enjoyed 14 years in Hawaii followed by a move to Montgomery to enjoy kids and grandkids. Bill was preceded in death by wife, Shay Quinn, and son Bill Quinn, jr. He is survived by two daughters, Mary McCroan and Barbara Quinn, three grandchildren, Matt Grenier, Jason Grenier, and Sam Wahl, and one great-granddaughter, Anna Grenier.

A Celebration of Life is scheduled for 3 June 2026 at 5:00 pm at The Kelly Fitzpatrick Center for the Arts in Wetumpka, Alabama.

And internment at the USMA West Point Post Cemetery in New York is planned for 21 September 2026 and will include both Bill and Shay.