William E. Conley

Early on the morning of Saturday, January 30, 2016 the Lord took William "Bill" Conley home. He was born in Chicago, Illinois on February 19, 1930. As a child, Bill spent many summers helping his extended family work on the farm in Mississippi. He grew up a huge Chicago Cubs and Bears fan, and eventually into a Dallas Cowboys fan as well.

He was known as "Gunny" by his military friends. As a young Marine, Bill defended South Korea as one of the Chosin Few in the Korean Conflict in the 1950's. One of his jobs with the Marine Corps was a driver for Admiral George Holderness. Bill re-enlisted, and later fought again in Vietnam. Never one to give up, he continued his career in the US Marine Corps earning a full retirement as Gunnery Sergeant after 20 years. With a strong work ethic, and always one to provide for his family, he moved on to complete a second 20 year career in the private sector.

Bill met his bride, Hisako, in Iwakuni, Japan and they married in December of 1964. Later in life, the happy couple could be found eating lunch together every day at the IHOP in Hurst. Also, Bill loved his cars and always took the very best care of them.

For many years he was plagued with pain from cold weather injuries sustained in Korea, as well as breathing troubles from COPD; yet, he was one of the strongest men we've ever known, always bouncing back from illnesses. God certainly had big plans for Bill, and the gift of having him as such an integral part of his family and friends’ lives, means more than words can say. He was a bright shining light and blessing to our family, and he will be dearly missed. Semper Fi Bill...Rest In Peace: 1930-2016.

He is survived by his wife, Hisako “Mariko”; daughter, Billi-Jean; son, Mike; daughter-in-law, Audrey; six grandchildren; and eight great-grandchildren.