William E. Mayfield

William E. Mayfield, most beloved husband, father, and friend went home to be with our Lord Monday November 12 at the age of 75 after very courageously battling a long illness. He is survived by the true love of his life, his wife Linda of 22 years, sons Mike, Mitch, and Matt Mayfield of Newport, WA, son Marc Mayfield of San Diego, CA, daughter Teri Feniello of Newport, WA, and his very beloved mother-in-law, Dorthie Hinson, of Dallas. He is also survived by his ex-wife, Rheta, 15 grandchildren, 3 great grandkids, and his constant companion and best little "fur-buddy," Lord Spencer.

Bill was born October 28, 1932 in Southgate, CA to Orren and Flossie Mayfield. Although they moved with Bill and his brother "Brub" to Flint, Michigan when Bill was a baby, they returned to southern California when he was 12, where he began what became a remarkable life. These early years in Michigan formed a friendship with cousins Dave and Al Mayfield which, in later years, proved to be the basis for a most cherished friendship.

Bill bought his first airplane and learned to fly at the young age of 16, soloing after just 9 hours. At 17, he and a buddy used a fake ID and joined the Air National Guard which became the Air Force, where he learned to fly F-80's. His passion of flying continued throughout his life - just recently flying co-pilot with a friend, Richard, on a beautiful, sunny afternoon, on what would be his last flight.

At 18, Bill played semi-pro baseball on the Argonaughts - the farm team for what became the Los Angeles Angels. He gave this up when he re-entered the service in the Army, where he finished his training as an X-ray technician here at Fort Sam Houston. He credits the service with setting him on his lifelong career path.

Bill was a graduate of UCLA and Stanford's prestigious "Presidents' College." He was a very active member of the Executive Forum, served on numerous boards of directors, including that of Ken Blanchard author of the One Minute Manager series. Bill ultimately ended his professional career as Vice-Chairman of Merry X-Ray Chemical Corp - a company that, under his management, grew from one small office to the largest independently owned X-Ray company in the world. Bill was widely recognized as one of the most respected and accomplished businessmen in his field - as will be recognized in a memorial tribute by Bob Pryor, Executive Director of Agfa Health Care.

Bill and Linda moved to the Dominion in San Antonio 13 years ago at his semi-retirement. A Californian at heart, Bill always said it was the tremendous friendships and love of their neighbors that made the Dominion home.

Bill was preceded in death by his parents Orren and Flossie, his brother "Brub," a grandson Saxon, his friend and father-in-law Ray, and his much beloved Shetland sheepdog, Sir Winston who was the pet therapy dog for the pediatric oncology unit at Methodist Children's Hospital.

In lieu of flowers, Bill requested that contributions be made to the SIR WINSTON MEMORIAL FUND. Donations can be sent to South Texas Veterinary Specialists, 503 E. Sonterra Blvd., Suite #102, San Antonio, TX 78258. Please mark payments "Sir Winston Memorial Fund." For more information, call 210 930-8383. This fund aids in emergency treatment of animals of elderly people who might otherwise go through the heartbreak of losing their best friend or special "fur-child." Established after Linda and Bill lost Sir Winston to cancer, this fund has brought joy to many hearts. It was a real passion of Bill's and will be a most fitting memorial to this most loved and incredible man.