William Ralph McLeod

LTC William R McLeod (Ret.), age 87, joined his wife, Clarabell, in Heaven on January 2, 2023. He is survived by his daughter, Heidi McLeod (Dennis Tyll); son, Ron McLeod (Amy McLeod); grandchildren: Kacie Trifiletti (Stephen Trifiletti), Kat Tyll, Camden McLeod, Austin McKay (Morgan McKay); brother, Michael McLeod; and numerous nieces and nephews.

William was born June 26, 1935, in Minneapolis, MN to Stanley (Police Officer) and Marvyl (schoolteacher) McLeod. After an All-American upbringing he attended the University of Minnesota for a year then transferred to South Dakota State University, where he earned a degree in psychology and ROTC. He took a commission in the US Army and served for 20 years. He met his wife Clarabell early in his service, while a 1st lieutenant and was soon transferred to Munich Germany where his first child, Heidi, was born. The family eventually moved to New York City where a son, Ron, was born. Shortly afterwards he was promoted to Captain and called to duty in Viet Nam where he was awarded the bronze star with oakleaf cluster, among multiple other awards for meritorious service. Upon his return to the States, he earned a master’s degree (Suma cum laude) in Hospital Administration from Baylor University and was promoted to Major and then Lieutenant Colonel.

After retirement from the Army, he started a civilian career in hospital administration in Chicago, Illinois as the CEO of the South Chicago Community Hospital. He was fundamental in bringing a renal transplant center and modernizing the hospital in an underserved community. He also served as the President of the South Chicago Chamber of Commerce. As recognition for his outstanding work in South Chicago, he was honored by being a Fellow in the American College of Hospital Administrators. In addition, he was a professor of Business Management at Chicago State University in the Graduate School of Business. After working in Chicago for 15 years, he moved to a rural hospital in Nevada, Iowa where he ran a county hospital for 2 years.

He retired from hospital practice in 1993 and moved to Victoria, Texas to fulfill Clarabell and his life-long dream of owning a Bed and Breakfast. During his 25 years of operating the business he was a longtime member and President of the Rotary Club of Victoria, President of the Victoria Fine Arts Commission, where he was fundamentally responsible for acquiring and moving to a splendid new theater. He also did everything from acting to directing to set building for the theater group.

Most important to William was his family. He encouraged his daughter and son to be involved in scouts, sports, music, and church activities whenever the family moved to a new post (annually). He also participated with his children as coach or leader. He was the President of the Thornwood High School athletic booster’s association and was responsible for fundraising activities greater than any in prior history for the high school. He was an elder at his church and served as chairman of the finance committee. He was also very active in his ancestry. He served as regional Vice President for the Associated Clan MacLeod Society, North American President, and international business manager.

In his final months he moved from Victoria, Texas to the Frank Tajeda, Texas State Veterans Home in Floresville where he was Chairman of the new residence committee.

William leaves a legacy throughout the country. Everyone who met him was instantly his friend. He spent his life in service and was passionate about his Country, God, Family, and Friends. The world is a better place for having him in it. Those who knew him are truly Blessed.

MEMORIAL SERVICEFRIDAY, MARCH 3, 202310:00 A.M.PORTER LORING NORTH CHAPEL

A reception will follow with the inurment to take place in Ft. Sam Houston National Cemetery.