Billy Gene McLean, a resident of Apache Junction, Arizona passed away on March 5, 2023.
Billy was born in Evansville, Indiana on September 13, 1930 to Thelma Jean Chambers and William Lawrence McLean.
At the young age of 17, he enlisted in the United States Navy. He became a Career Navy man and attained the rank of Senior Chief. Billy served in the Korean War and was later assigned to the Pentagon. Notably, in October 1962, he served in the United States Amphibious Forces, Atlantic Fleet during the Cuban Missile Crisis.
Billy was awarded the National Defense Service Medal, the Korean Service Medal, and the United Nations Service Medal, among other military recognitions.
After retirement from the Navy, Billy was employed by the Army Corps of Engineers and resided in Mountlake Terrace, Washington. Billy’s military discipline and strong work ethic were hallmarks of his life.
In the 1980’s, Bill and his wife Shirley relocated to Arizona where he lived for 33 years.
Billy was an avid golfer and fisherman for many years. He enjoyed football, cooking, gardening, politics and music. As a young man, he was an accomplished guitarist and performed publicly with his band in the 1950’s.
Billy was preceded in death by his parents, his beloved wife of fifty years Shirley, and his brother and fellow Navy Veteran Bobby. He is survived by wife Barbara, sons Michael, Dennis, and Steven, daughter Pamela as well as many grandchildren and great grandchildren.
Billy will be laid to rest with Full Military Honors at the Tahoma National Cemetery, Kent, Washington.