Born in Shreveport, William joined the Marine Forces Reserves in October of 1950 and was called up for duty in Korea. He landed at Pusan and served in an intelligence scouting team in the Fifth Marine Regiment, First Marine Division. While on patrol on September 16, 1951, two buddies near him stepped on two "Bouncing Betty" mines at nearly the same time. William was hit by both blasts. Although badly wounded, he was the only one on his patrol who could walk down from the hill for help. He was sent first to a hospital ship, and then to Kobe, Japan for "a month or so." He was soon returned to San Diego for release from service. William spent most of his career working for Sears, Roebuck & Company. He retired retiring in 1985, and then became a ranger with Cypress Black Bayou Recreation Area.