William Hutcheson “Billy” Gavan, better known as Billy, was born on July 28, 1938 at Fort Sill, OK. Billy was the son of the late Major General W.H. Craig (USMA 1934) and Anne DeArmond. In 1948, Anne was remarried to Major General Paul Amos Gavan (USMA 1928). Not long after, Billy was adopted by Major General Gavan. As an Army brat, Billy’s early years were spent on military posts around the world, and it was not surprising that a career as an Amy officer was in his future. He graduated from Valley Forge Military Academy in 1957. 

Billy entered West Point on July 2, 1957 as a member of the USMA Class of 1961. After a brief battle with the “Juice” Department in February 1960, he joined the Class of 1962 in August 1960 as a member of cadet company I-2. His life while a cadet is best described in the 1962 Howitzer, “Bill was always the life of the party and a sure remedy for depression. Despite the hazing that he took from the Academic Department, Bill remained a trustworthy and cheerful friend to all who knew him. Being ‘gung-ho’ Bill should give the Army a valuable source of leadership.” How prophetic!

Billy graduated from West Point on June 6, 1962 as an Infantry officer and began an Army career that reflected the motto of his alma mater in every sense. After successfully completing the IOBC, Airborne, and Ranger School (receiving the EIB), Billy married Ann Fischer, and the couple moved to Schofield Barracks, HI. Their children, Annie and Bill Junior, were born there. Billy was assigned to the 27th Infantry Regiment, 25th ID. His time as a “Wolfhound” saw him excel as a platoon leader; “Shotgun” platoon leader in RVN; and again, in Vietnam, as a company commander and aide de camp to Major General Fred Weyand, CG of the 25th ID. In 1967, he attended the IOAC. In 1968-69, Billy returned to Vietnam and served as a MACV advisor in II Corps. For his total combat service, he received the Silver Star, four Bronze Stars (two for valor), four Purple Hearts, the Air Medal, and the CIB. From 1969 to 1971, he served at the USMA Prep School at Fort Belvoir, VA. He graduated from CGSC in 1971 and received an M.Ed. in 1972 from North Carolina State University, then served in the USMA Tactical Department from 1973 to 1974. From 1975-78, he served as 2nd Bde XO and battalion commander in the 8th ID, in the FRG. After the Army War College in 1979, he was assigned to the Pentagon in DCSOPS and the DAIG Office. In 1983-84, he returned to FRG as the 3rd ID Chief of Staff. In 1984, Billy married Kathryn (Katie) Rush. From 1985 to 1987, Billy commanded the 29th Infantry Regiment at Fort Benning GA. From 1987 to 1989, he was the Fort Dix, NJ garrison commander. From 1989 to 1990, he was deputy commander, CDAC, at Fort Leavenworth, KS. In 1990, he was ADC/S, 9th ID, Fort Lewis, WA and served there until his retirement in 1992 and received his third Legion of Merit.

Billy and Katie moved to Charleston, WV and he became the GM of the West Virginia Turnpike Authority. In 1999, Billy and Katie moved to Reynolds Plantation, GA. For the next 22 years, he renewed his passion for fishing and golfing. During that time, Billy adopted Katie’s son, Sean. In 2016, he suffered a major stroke that left him physically disabled but certainly not mentally. In typical Billy Gavan fashion, alongside his close friend and fellow veteran, Charles Finch, he used every opportunity to mentor wounded and disabled veterans. After a long and difficult battle, Billy passed away at home on September 6, 2021. The Reynolds community held a memorial service for him and dedicated an eagle carving there in his memory. Former I-2 companymate Jim Oaks (USMA ’61) represented USMA and did an outstanding job contributing to the eulogy. He will be laid to rest near his parents in Arlington National Cemetery.

The following words from his son, Bill Junior, capture the heart and soul of this remarkable soldier, husband, father, and personal friend to so many of us who knew him and loved him: 

Death is for the living and remembering dad for all the good he has brought into the world is the legacy he leaves behind. I remember my father for the substantial impact he had on me, the good things he taught me, the sacrifices he’s made and the devotion he had to his country, his soldiers, friends, and family. He made his life count for something. He was very good with people and inspired many. He lifted people up and gave them purpose in the moment when doubt was the enemy. He was charismatic and charming with a way about him that gave people a sense of invincibility when pursuing goals. He was good at it and people responded to him. Larger than life, positive, solutions oriented, the friend anyone would hope to have especially when the chips were down. These things made my dad the figure he was to so many, the world lost a good man.

His West Point classmates from the classes of 1961 and 1962 “Grip Hands” and in unison salute him and say, “Well Done, Billy Gavan; Be Thou at Peace.”

— Family, friends and classmates