William “Bill” H. Boydstun passed Saturday, Feb. 11, 2017, in Fernandina Beach.
He was born Feb. 22, 1927, in Holdenville, Okla., to Abel and Lillie Boydstun, the oldest of three boys. His family moved to California in 1938, where he attended grade school in Betteravia and graduated from Santa Maria High School in 1944, lettering in music. The day after graduation, he enlisted in the Navy. He served most of his six years as a radio man on submarines. He played with Glenn Miller and other big bands when he was in port. After the service, he went to television school and continued his education to culminate his working career within the space programs on the Mercury, Gemini and Apollo projects. He remained committed to the Navy through involvement with several Navy Leagues through the years. He had a love for flying and owned a Cessna 170B, in which he took his parents, in-laws and extended family on many adventures across the United States. He was known for always having a steak ready for the grill.
He is survived by his wife, Rosanne Jameson; his brother, Thomas (Sharon) Boydstun of San Jose, Calif.; his four children; and 10 stepchildren. He was a loving, supporting, compassionate son, brother, husband, father and friend, and is deeply loved and missed.
In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to the Nassau County Community Hospice.
Oxley-Heard Funeral Directors