Lt. Col. William "Bill" Collins Reagan, U.S.A.F. (Ret.)
September 1, 1939 ~ February 18, 2023
Lt. Col. William “Bill” Collins Reagan, U.S.A.F. (Ret.), 83, passed on February 18, 2023, at the Hospice House of St. Mary’s, Callaway, Maryland, after a long illness.
Born September 1, 1939, in Washington, D.C., to Harrell and Harriet Reagan, Bill was a graduate of Valley Forge Military Academy, where he was elected senior class president in 1957, and of George Washington University.
Lt. Col. Reagan served his country for over two decades as a fighter pilot and flight commander in the Vietnam War; the Chief of Tactical Air Command Headquarters in Hampton, VA; an Aircraft Commander and Instructor Pilot in Laredo, Texas; Chief, Osan Consolidated Command post and Director, Osan Air Base, Korea; and as an Air Attaché at the USA Embassy in South Africa.
Recognition for Lt. Col. Reagan’s military service include: the Air Force Bronze Star; Meritorious Service Medal with Two Bronze Stars; Air Medal with Four Bronze Oak Leaf Clusters; Joint Service Commendation Medal; Air Force Longevity Service Award with Four Bronze Oak Leaf Clusters; National Defense Service Medal; Vietnam Service Medal; Air Force Outstanding Unit Award; Air Force Overseas Short Tour Ribbon with two Bronze Oak Leaf Clusters.
He was preceded in death by his son, Rev. Daniel S. Reagan, Sr., and his brother, Harrell “Tex” Reagan, Jr.
He is survived by his children: W. Jeffrey Reagan (Paula); Keith C. Reagan, Sr. (Lisa); and Jennifer L. Utne (Bruce). He is also survived by ten grandchildren and three great-grandchildren, with one great-grandchild on the way.
A graveside service will be held on May 15, 2023 at 11:00 AM in Arlington National Cemetery Arlington, VA.
In memoriam donations to the Wounded Warrior Project are welcome: https://www.woundedwarriorproject.org.
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I loved my father very much. There was a time when we reconnected after his very messy divorce from my mother, and I treasure those times with him.
He was a complicated man, with very strong opinions. One sometimes had to walk softly around him concerning some issues, but he could charm the pants off of you when it suited him.
I remember him when he was a very young officer as I was the first born. He taught me so much on how to be a good boy and a man. Some men these days can’t throw a football, catch fast pitches with a glove, work until you ached, clean and respect guns, drive safely and well, ride a bike, and so many other things that Dad taught me.
He worked hard and strived for success in his career. He was an officer and a gentleman of high order.
He rubbed many the wrong way, but I understood him being just like him in so many ways. Unfortunately, he couldn’t see nor share these similarities with me. His heart was big, but life, in its uncaring cruelty and hardships, made him bitter. I can only hope I see him again with my mom and my brother Danny. Oh how wonderful that would be.
Rest well, Dad. I will remember our times together with fondness.
Mr. Reagan was always kind and asked after my son Tony who was also in the Air Force and my other two sons. We had many conversations over the past 15 years, some heated when discussing politics or some current events. Safe home Mr. Bill. You are flying with the angels now.