William Frank Gillen, age 77, of Navarre Beach, Florida, passed away Friday, July 6, 2018.

William was born June 4, 1941, in Carmel, California, to the late William Wallace Gillen and Charlotte Acthley Gillen. He was a graduate of Mojave High School. He served 20 years in the United States Navy and retired in 1983. While in the Navy he received the Navy Commendation Medal and Recruiter of the Year award. After his retirement he worked with Bartlett Nuclear as a contractor and TVA with the Nuclear Managers Review Group.

William was known as the “Bull Nuke” on the USS George Washington SSBN598 (G). He was a great shipmate and will long be remembered for the man and submariner brother he was. He was an avid fisherman, loved by everyone and never met a stranger. He always made people laugh and lit up every room with his smile. William was a great co-worker, friend, and a very special patriot. He was a mentor and friend to many and was loved for his enthusiasm. He always had a smile and a kind heart.

William is survived by his loving wife, Rhonda Bullock Gillen; three children, Erin Gillen Babcock (Mike), Ricky Peterman and Shane Peterman; six grandchildren and one great-grandchild; two sisters, Helen Gillen Simonitis and Colleen Gillen Azen; and numerous nieces and nephews.

A Catholic Mass will be held at 1:00 p.m., Saturday, July 21, 2018, at St Sylvester’s Catholic Church in Navarre Beach, Florida, with full US Navy military honors, and Father John Kelly officiating. He will be inurned at Fort Barrancas National Cemetery in Pensacola, Florida, at a later date.

THE FINAL PATROL
He was a submariner, America’s best.
He proudly wore dolphins upon his brave chest.
With the sound of the klaxon and the order to dive,
He went deep beneath the ocean to keep peace alive.
As the Nation’s sentinel in Poseidon’s domain,
His vigil he stood and never complained.
When the klaxon sounded for his very last dive,
He slid silently under to be at God’s side.
He will be missed by his loved ones, but his shipmates know,
He now serves in God’s Navy on his Final Patrol.
June 4, 1941 - July 6, 2018
MMCM (SS) William F. Gillen USN Retired
"Sailor rest your oar"

The family wishes to thank the doctors and staff at Sacred Heart Hospital, Select Specialty Hospital and Renalus Center for Kidney Care for the love and care they provided, and to Lewis Funeral Home, Navarre, to whom we entrusted the arrangements.

In lieu of flowers please make contributions to William’s favorite charity, St. Jude's Hospital.

DONATIONS BY MAIL:
St Jude Children’s Research Hospital
262 Danny Thomas Place
Memphis, TN 38105

BY PHONE: 1-866-278-5833

GIVE ONLINE: www.stjude.org