August 21, 2020
Bill, known to his friends and many others as “Flip” is at peace with our Lord. While there are so many layers to the lives we live and never enough time to truly pay homage to our loved ones, Bill simply lived a life of service and sacrifice. His love for the Lord kept him active in church and community throughout the years while his love for his country led to a full and distinguished career in the United States Army.
Bill grew up excelling in sports as a child. Born in Oroville, California in 1944, Bill was an accomplished swimmer and an Eagle Scout. He took the life lessons and leadership skills he learned in sports, scouting, and church and applied them in every aspect of his life. During the draft for the Vietnam War, Bill chose to enlist in the United States Army. His strengths in leadership were recognized early on in his service and he was selected for Officer Candidate School (OCS). Shortly after completing OCS he arrived in Vietnam and served alongside his Long Range Reconnaissance Patrol (LRRP) Brothers in the 4th Infantry Division. There his fortitude and determination saved the lives of several soldiers. After being severely wounded during a rescue operation, Bill returned to the United States. A very humble man, many didn’t know Bill was the recipient of the Silver Star, two Purple Hearts, the Legion of Merit and two Vietnamese Crosses for gallantry, to name just a few of his honors.
In September of 1969, when Bill was released from the hospital, he met 1st Lieutenant Susan Evans; an officer in the Womens Army Corps (WAC). They married in 1970 and welcomed their daughters Miller and then Kimberley. Bill’s faith in our Lord and the support of his family became the foundation for a truly accomplished career in the Army which spanned the globe and over 27 years.
When he retired in 1992, at the rank of Lieutenant Colonel (LTC), Bill found he could not live life without service. After working for the United Service Organization (USO) in San Antonio and several years over in Kosovo, he returned to San Antonio to truly retire. While he had remained active in the Episcopal Church, serving as a Eucharistic Minister and Lay Reader throughout the years, Bill expanded his service through actively volunteering in his community. A few of the organizations he worked with include; San Antonio Little Theater, Baptist Hospital, North East Senior Assistance, San Antonio Retired Officers Association, and the Assistance League of San Antonio. Bill found solace in knowing he touched the lives of many and was there if someone needed him.
Bill is survived by his wife, Susan Evans Filippini; daughter, Miller and husband Trevor Voecks; daughter, Kimberley and husband Chad Thompson; and his beloved grandchildren, Carson, Courtney, and Ryker. With Susan by his side for over 50 years, Bill had a life full of love and support. Together they served and sacrificed for our freedoms. Bill’s legacy is one of love and service. You only have to look at the paths of service to our country his daughters have chosen. Bill lives on in our hearts through his daughters and there is something of him in each of his grandchildren. Let his memories comfort you, his humor remind you to always laugh, and his service to God, family, and country reassure you
