Learned to fly at Old Shawnee Airport, barnstormed in his 40-hp Taylorcraft to help with finances. Graduate, Spartan School of Aerodynamics (Oklahoma) in the late 30s.

Joined RAF via Canada in 1942; flew combat missions over England in "Spits" and Hurricanes. After Pearl Harbor, Wil transferred to the U.S. Navy for combat tour, flying 4-engine "Privateers" on bombing and anti-sub patron in the S.W. Pacific. Had at least seven combat victories; 5 DFC, 8 Air Medals. Recalled to active duty in the late '40s, Wil flew the Berlin Airlift.

In 1946, he organized Central American Airways at Bowman Field for flight training and transport-category charter service, initially flying DC-3s and, by the early '80s, a Convair 880 fleet in worldwide operations.

In the 1950s, under contract, operated six U.S. Army instrument flying schools, training more than half of all Army IFR students. "Flew West" in 1993. Will's reputation, by consensus: A totally dedicated and reliable gentleman.