William E. (Bill) Gandy of Denton, Texas passed away on February 10, 2025. He was 97 years old.

Bill was born in Temple, OK on November 12, 1927 to Elmer and Lois (Lovelace) Gandy. The family later moved to Bethany, OK where Bill graduated from high school in May 1945. He immediately joined the Coast Guard with two good friends, Justin Chrane and Jack Riggs. He was honorably discharged, attended Oklahoma A&M University (now Oklahoma State) and graduated with a BS in mechanical engineering.

During college, Bill met Mariglyn McLain, also from Bethany. They married on August 28, 1949 and later became the parents of three children.

Bill worked for General Dynamics in Fort Worth, TX before moving to the Houston area in 1962 to join NASA. This is where he thrived, contributing to the Gemini, Apollo and Space Shuttle programs.

After Bill retired from NASA, he and Mariglyn moved back to Oklahoma to be with family and friends.

Bill's highest priority was his family, especially Mariglyn. During her last years, he tirelessly sacrificed his time and energy to meet her needs. Bill was a relatively quiet person who, by the way he lived, exhibited integrity, loyalty and a strong work ethic. He also had a great sense of humor, could fix almost anything, enjoyed a good football game and was very content at home with his wife and getting together with family and friends.

Bill was preceded in death by his wife of 73 years, Mariglyn; parents; sister, Marie Coody and husband Darwyn; brother, Everett Gandy and wife Debbi; sister-in-law, Gloradel Diffee and husband Vic; brother-in-law, Dr. James Herrick; and other relatives and lifelong friends.

He is survived by son, Kent Gandy and wife Karen; daughters, Cheryl Crego and husband Bert, and Dana McLain; sister-in-law, Charlotte Herrick; granddaughter, Jessica Strickland; grandson, Brian Gandy and wife Elizabeth; great-grandson, Blake Gandy; nieces; nephews; cousins; and friends. Bill will be greatly missed.

The family wishes to thank the staff of Mayberry Gardens Denton and Angel Hands Hospice for their kind and compassionate care during these past months.

A memorial service will be held on Thursday, March 20, 2025 at 10:00 am, Mercer-Adams Chapel. If you wish to donate in his memory, please consider Samaritan's Purse or a charity of your choice.