William C. Tyrrell, 86, a retired U.S. Army Colonel, died in Aiken, South Carolina on April 15, 2011. In his 32 year military career, Bill maintained flight status from the beginning, flying P-38 and P-51 Mustang fighter aircraft during WWII in the European Theatre, and Huey Helicopters in Vietnam. He also served in a combat capacity in Korea. Bill had many leadership and command roles, and he received numerous military decorations. Bill was born in Huron, South Dakota, to Margaret and Harvey Tyrrell. After graduating from high school in Huron, he immediately entered the military. Shortly thereafter, Bill married Donna McManus. They remained married until her death in 1984. His military career took them from Alaska to Washington, DC, to Germany, and many places in between and beyond. Bill was an avid engineer, serving many years in the Corps of Engineers. He had degrees in engineering from the South Dakota School of Mines and a Masters in Engineering from Stanford University. He also graduated from the United States Army War College. Upon his retirement, he worked for several years in the patent industry for a leading law firm in Northern Virginia. In 1986, Bill married Ruth Peters, and together they traveled to many parts of the globe. They moved to Aiken, SC, in 2002. Bill was an active member of Cedar Creek Church. Throughout his life, Bill was a dedicated family man. He always enjoyed every gathering of family members and friends, and the family members and friends always enjoyed Bill. He volunteered his time and talents to many organizations including Jobs For Life, Lions Club, Volunteer Tax Preparers and several Alumni Associations. Bill is survived by his wife of 25 years, Ruth, their seven children, Linda, Cindy, Kate, Karen, Sandra, Michael and Mike, and seven grandchildren. A Memorial Service will be held on Saturday, April 23, 2011 at Cedar Creek Church, 3001 Banks Mill Road, Aiken, South Carolina at 1:00PM. Colonel Tyrrell's Interment is pending at Arlington National Cemetery in Arlington, Virginia. In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made to the Wounded Warriors Project, 4899 Belfort Road, Suite 300, Jacksonville, FL 32256 or Cedar Creek Church, 3001 Banks Mill Road, Aiken, SC 29803-3481.