01/09/2024
I was saddened to learn of the January 2nd passing of William L. “Bill” Gunlock, age 95. When I was hired by the National Aviation Hall of Fame in 1998 as Development Director, Bill was new to its board of trustees. By then he had already sold the successful business he founded, the airplanes he flew, and soon sold his 5000 acre Ohio ranch where he raised award-winning cutting horses and cattle for 700 acres in Texas, moving the horse business there. Hardly retirement. We both resided in Kettering, Ohio, and enjoyed a mutual interest in college football, Bill having played at Miami U. under Woody Hayes and later, after coaching at Heidelberg, BGSU, and West Point, was defensive coordinator at The Ohio State for Woody. There his former Miami Redskins teammate and best friend, Bo Schembechler, was a fellow assistant coach (Bill was deservedly proud to sport his 1961 National Championship ring).
His athletic tenacity was evident in his business acumen. In the early years of my tenure as development officer, working with Bill, we raised nearly half a million dollars in program support. His political savvy was instrumental when we went to D.C. and landed the federal education grant that enabled the NAHF to launch “Duggy the DC-3” and its 2005 U.S. tour under the NAHF SkyReach Education brand. His personal gift to the NAHF once funded a full season of the PBS-TV series “Legends of Airpower,” and he often sponsored a front row table at the annual enshrinement ceremony, a couple of years even bringing Bo as his guest - fun for this Buckeye! It was great to go on prospect calls with someone who everyone liked, respected, and truly walked the walk. And the NAHF was hardly the only beneficiary of his time and treasure. Suffice it to say, Bill was a true philanthropist.
As I worked my way up in the organization, Bill was a treasured advocate and advisor, and continued to encourage my success well after I moved on. Dayton has lost a powerhouse. I’ll be at his service to personally offer my condolences to his wife, Sandy, and his family. May God bless and rest in peace.
