William "Bill" Groutt Dwinell III

William “Bill” Groutt Dwinell III of Sun City West, AZ passed away on February 18, 2022 from COVID pneumonia at Banner Boswell Medical Center in Sun City, AZ.

Bill was born on August 19, 1940 in Providence, Rhode Island. His father, William Groutt Dwinell II and his mother, Helen Joy Dwinell raised Bill and his three brothers; Richard, John, and David. Bill’s family moved around the Midwest while Bill Sr. worked as a salesman for RCA, eventually settling in Whitewater, WI. Bill graduated from Whitewater High School in 1958.
Bill joined the United States Marine Corps in December 1961, serving 20 years and retiring as a Major. He served 4 tours of duty in Vietnam, flying CH-34 and CH-46 helicopters, and KC-130 planes. After Vietnam he flew C-9b planes out of Cherry Point MCAS.  Among his 12 decorations he received: 2 Purple Hearts, Air Medal with 28 s/f, Combat Action Ribbon, and the Vietnam Service Medal with 5 stars.  In recognition of his participation in Operation Frequent Wind, the 1974 Saigon evacuation, Bill was awarded the Air Medal with a Combat V (Bronze star in lieu of first award).  During this time, he also earned degrees from Chapman University and George Washington University.

After retiring from the Marine Corps, Bill worked at the family business in Whitewater. Shortly before moving to Arizona, Bill joined ATA Airlines and continued working there until his retirement.

Bill enjoyed new experiences and travelled to nearly every US state and to several countries around the world. He was outgoing and made friends everywhere. His passion to help and serve others was exhibited through his active participation at Our Lady of Lourdes church and through his donations to various charities.  He had a close bond with his golf group, many who are Vets as well. He also enjoyed bridge and played most weeks with a club in Sun City West. He loved to laugh and tell stories with his family and friends and always made the effort to keep in touch, sending cards on their birthdays and holidays with thoughtful notes.

Bill was an amazing father to his daughters Sheryl and Katrina and gave them the love, confidence, and words of wisdom that allowed them to build lives that made their dad immensely proud.

He was a loving and devoted husband to his wives who preceded him in death, Joan (2022), Diana (2008), and Jo Ann (1986).

Bill is survived by his daughters Sheryl (Thane) and Katrina (Jane), his stepdaughter Ann (Jim), his brothers John (Gail) and David (Bette), his sister-in-law Margaret (Richard), his beloved nieces, nephews and their spouses and children and his late wife Joan's grandchildren and extended family.

Bill's family would like to thank the nurses at Banner Boswell Medical Center for the exceptional care and kindness shown to our father in his last days.

Mass will be held at 11:00 am on March 30th at Our Lady of Lourdes in Sun City West. In lieu of flowers, please consider giving to the charity of your choice or to one of Bill’s favorites listed here: Toys for Tots, St. Mary’s Food Bank or the USMC Scholarship Foundation.