Billy Harold Mcauley

Billy Harold McAuley

Billy Harold McAuley, age 75 of Orlando, FL, passed away on November 24, 2011. He was born in Notasulga, AL on May 30, 1936 to Joe Clark McAuley and Mary Elma Berry McAuley. He was preceded in death by his father and youngest child, Mary Elizabeth McAuley. He is survived by his 98-year-old mother, his wife Mary of 52 years, his children Pamela (Alan) Wishon, Patricia (Mark) Henderson, Michael (Kim), and David, his grandchildren Justin Traver, James Traver, Savannah Traver, Brooke (Jason) Rosado, Monica (Corry) DiBiase, Mark Allen Henderson, Sarah McAuley, Kevin McAuley, and David Russell McAuley, his great-grandchildren Olivia Grace Rosado, Cody Brian Carro, David Russell McAuley, II., and Grace Charlotte DiBiase, and finally his faithful canine companion John Henry.

Billy was born and raised in the rolling hills of East Central Alabama, growing up with his older brother Joe and younger sister Dorothy Mae. Even though he grew up in the shadow of the "other" state school, Billy became a dedicated University of Alabama football fan...Roll Tide Roll! After graduating from high school in 1954, Billy joined the United States Air Force in 1955 following the end of the Korean War but just at the dawning of the Vietnam Conflict, and during an era defined by the clashes of the Cold War. This did not deter Billy from serving his country, which he did proudly for 21 years before retiring from the USAF in 1976. His military service took him all over the world, living in exotic places such as French Morocco and the Phillipine Islands, and then stateside in Florida, Maine, Arkansas, Alabama, and Georgia. His successful work as an Operating Room Technician put him in surgical suites all over the Air Force complex. One of his greatest military accomplishments was when he was chosen to be a part of the Launch Site Medical Recovery Forces for NASA Apollo Flights 14 and 15. While serving in the Air Force Billy participated in many sports, finding himself on several successful teams playing for Air Force championships. In addition, it was during this time that Billy and his family established friendships that have stood the test of time.

Following his military retirement, Billy moved his family to Orlando, FL where he worked in medical sales for a short time before starting and operating G-M Tool & Fasteners with his business partner Ralph Grimes. Billy finally decided to "retire" again after almost 20 years as a business owner, selling his half of the company to Ralph. He then settled down on Dunhill Drive to take care of his home, tend to his prized yard, and share his patriotic passion for the American flag by always keeping a fresh one on the mailboxes of many of his neighbors. More than anything, though, Billy will best be remembered as a man who cherished his family and the times he shared with them.

Life may not have always been easy, and was not usually plain or simple, but Billy was forever a dedicated son, loving husband, and devoted father and grandfather, known to many as the world's best "Papaw!" His battle with pancreatic cancer may have lasted only six months, but his passing on Thanksgiving Day 2011 was truly a blessed event as he was surrounded by all of his family as the pain was replaced with an everlasting peace and comfort. The family would like to express their profound gratitude to Orlando Regional Medical Center, M.D. Anderson Cancer Center, and Hospice of the Comforter for their compassion, professionalism, and caring of Billy and the support they provided to his family during this long struggle.

In lieu of flowers, friends and family are encouraged to consider donations to Hospice of the Comforter so that they can continue to help families during times of great need.