William "Bill" B. Basham, Jr.

MSGT William B. “Bill” Basham, United States Air Force (Retired), devoted husband, father, grandfather and great-grandfather, passed away on 18 June 2024, in Phoenix, Arizona.  Bill was born in Nashville, Tennessee, on 15 March 1937.  He was the first and only child of Ella and William Basham, Sr. Bill grew up in Nashville and Mt. Pleasant, Texas. As a young Airman, Bill was stationed near Amarillo, Texas and met his future wife June who grew up a few miles away in Pampa.  Following Bill’s remote tour in Iceland, Bill and June were married on July 28, 1957 and remained married for 59 years until her death in 2017. 

Bill and June led a military life for 24 years while raising two children and moving when and where duty called, including a tour in Vietnam.  Bill was the ever-devoted husband and father ensuring the family’s foundation was built around the church, family events and amazing vacations.  As the military chapter of Bill’s life ended, he and June settled their family in Phoenix, Arizona where he remained for 53 years. Bill worked for and ultimately retired from the State of Arizona, but long before that second retirement and for years afterward, Bill and June traveled the world to visit family and friends. 

At every stage of their life, Bill and June remained grounded in their faith and spent the last few years as dedicated supporters of Grace Bible Church of Phoenix.  Bill also attended and led several bible study groups in his community. 

As a father, Bill raised two children, was grandfather to five grandchildren, and was blessed with two great-grandchildren, all of whom he adored and who love their Papa very much. 

Bill was preceded in death by June, and is survived by son, Terry, and daughter, Susan; grandchildren, Jonathan, Jessica, Andrew, Casey and Abby; and great-grandchildren, Adrian and Asher.

A private interment will be at the Veterans National Cemetery of Arizona. 

In lieu of flowers, the family asks that you consider donating to Hospice of the Valley.