Billie (Bill) Thomas Buxton, age 96, of Meadows of Dan, Virginia, passed away September 3, 2019, in St. Cloud, Florida.
Bill was born June 18, 1923, in Fort Dodge, Iowa, and was the son of the late Thomas Vernon and Evelyn Cordelia (Crouse) Buxton. He was predeceased in death by his wife, Marlene A, Buxton, his brother, John Vernon Buxton, who was killed in WW II over the skies of Germany in 1944; a daughter, Billie Beth (Buxton) Kramer; and a grandson, Russell Eric Crump.
Growing up Bill resided in Miami, Florida, and attended Edison High School in Edison Center, Miami, Florida. After Pearl Harbor when war was declared in December of 1941, he joined the Army Air Corp. He first trained as an Ariel Gunner and Radio Tech. In 1943 he attended the Army Air Forces Pilot School, Advanced Single Engine, S.A.A.C.C., in San Antonio, Texas, graduating February 8, 1944, with the Class of 44-B, attaining the rank of Lieutenant, at Eagle Pass Army Air Field in Eagle Pass, Texas.
In 1951 while residing in Hialeah, Florida, Bill was called from inactive duty and reactivated in the United States Air Force as a 2nd Lieutenant during the Korean War. He was discharged honorably from all commissions in the service in 1955. During his military career, his most significant duty assignment was with the 309th Fighter Escort Squadron.
After the Korean War Bill returned to his family in Miami, Florida. He worked for over 15 years as a commercial pilot, advancing to the position of Director of Operations for Southern Air Transport located at the Miami Airport.
In later years Bill moved to North Carolina, then to Alaska working for Alaska International Air. After retiring he and his family moved to Idaho, and later settled in St. Augustine, Florida. For the past 10 years, they resided in Meadows of Dan, Virginia.
Bill loved to build and fly remote-controlled airplanes. He was a member of various RC flying clubs in many states. He also loved to sail, fish, golf, and hunt. He did his fair share of reading Western novels too.
Billie Thomas Buxton had a love for this country, which family and friends can attest to. His greatest desire was that younger generation, citizens of this great country, the United States of America, would value their freedom, and realize the sacrifices made by previous generations on their behalf, to keep our country free.
Bill is survived by his two daughters, Donna Tilley and Linda Tweedie (Lewis) of St. Cloud, Florida, stepdaughter, Elaine Little of Meadows of Dan, Virginia, and stepson, Lou Baranello (Jill) of Portland, Oregon; and numerous grandchildren, great-grandchildren, and great-great-grandchildren.
Bill attended Meadows of Dan Baptist Church, Meadows of Dan, Virginia.
A graveside service was held at in the Meadows of Dan Baptist Church Cemetery, on September 11, 2019, officiated by Pastor Shawn Carter. His body will be interred alongside his wife of 47 years, Marlene Buxton, in the Meadows of Dan Baptist Church Cemetery. A Patrick County Veteran Memorial Honor Guard presented the American Flag to the family in his honor as a Veteran.
Online condolences may be sent by visiting www.moodyfuneralservices.com. Donations may be made to the Parkinson’s Foundation.
