William John Ring

Obituary

On March 31, 2025, in St. Peterburg, Florida, William John Ring, son of Frank J. Ring and Catherine Frances Ring (nee Spanberger), brother to the late Frank A, Alice K. "Sissy", and Edward R "Eddie", passed peacefully with his son William John Ring, Jr. at his side. The close family (Barb & Dave, Marcia & our daughter Melissa, William Ring's niece Tracey Arehart) were able to quickly join to wish Dad an emotional, much deserved restful journey. William Ring, the kind, generous, and beloved husband for 55 years of the late Doris Jean Ring (nee O'Neal), father to the late Michelle L. Ring (nee Georgia Jean), revered father to his daughter Barbara J. Credicott (nee Ring) and son William J. Ring, Jr., Father-in-Law to David Credicott and Marcia K Ring (nee McGowan), and Uncle, Great-Uncle, Great-Great-Uncle, Grandfather, and Great-Grandfather to so many.

William Ring was born June 8, 1928, at his parent's home, 5469 Thrush Ave., St. Louis, Missouri. His formative years shaped his character: his began his life, overlapping with the last days of Wyatt Earp, Pre-K and early schooling occurred during the impactful Great Depression hardships, pre-teen and teenage years were overshadowed by World War II, and at 18 years of age he chose to serve his country and joined the Army Air Corps. Throughout the next eight decades he seized upon the blessings of family and recognition of those even less fortunate. He quietly, humbly gave to others, paying forward such that they may have better lives: Boy Scouts, genealogy research, expressing appreciation to all people's endeavors, eight decades of family reunions, and in his final year's giving to others when it helped the most. Always motivating with his quick smiles, dry sense of humor, and the military tradition of two thumbs up, symbolizing perseverance and success.

Focusing these core strengths, William J. Ring served as an exemplary professional soldier (20 Years in the Army Air Corps and U.S. Air Force Strategic Air Command1946-1966) & Technical Data Engineer with McDonnell Aircraft (The Boeing Company). Retired from the U.S.A.F. 301st Org. Maint. Sq., 301st Air Refueling Wing, Lockbourne Air Force Base, Columbus Ohio (1966) and McDonnell Aircraft Company (1990) St. Louis, Missouri. Stationed at Lackland, Keesler, Chanute, Bolling (where he met and married Doris Jean O'Neal), Pusan (K9), Scott, Lowery, Walker (Roswell), Ramey (Puerto Rico during the Cuban Crisis), and Lockbourne Air Force Bases (amassing over 4,000 flying hours). Korean War Veteran serving in the U.S.A.F. with the 452nd Bomb Group at Pusan (K9) Korea. Third degree Mason A.F. & A.M., Beacon Lodge No. 3 (his father's Lodge) St Louis, MO, and life member of VFW post 4105, St. Louis, MO. Leading by example, his daughter Barbara, son William, and grandson Richard J. "RJ" Credicott have each chosen to serve this Nation in the U.S. Air Force.

A respected resolute honorable soldier, a gentle generous kind human being. William John Ring, TSgt, U.S.A.F. Retired, will be accorded our Nation's Full Military Honors at Arlington National Cemetery, Arlington, Virginia on September 12th, 2025, as he joins our beloved mother, Doris Jean Ring, and passes our love to both mom and our sister Michelle. We miss him every day!

In lieu of flowers the family suggest adopting a stray dog or rescuing from your local dog pound or ASPCA .  Bill and Doris saved and took care of many animals from 1966 thru 2015. Continuing this compassionate work in their memory is greatly appreciated.

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