William Meadows PickelMemphis, TNWilliam Meadows Pickel, 91, of Memphis, died peacefully at Kirby Pines Manor on May 5, 2017. He was born on March 1,1926 to Walter Henry and Lucinda Pilkington Pickel in Johnson City, TN, the youngest of 16 children. He attended Science Hill High School and enlisted in the U.S. Navy at 16, serving for 2 years during World War II in the Asiatic Pacific Campaign; most notably at Iwo Jima ,Okinawa, and the Philippines. He was predeceased by his beloved wife of 63 years, Betty Ann King Pickel and all of his siblings. He is survived by his daughter, Ann Lawrence Smith of Memphis; son, David Conley Pickel of Memphis, son and daughter-in-law, William Morgan and Marcy Pickel of Roseville, CA; grandchildren, Dr. Christopher Neil Lawrence of Byron, GA and Jennifer Lynn and Jessica Ann Pickel of Roseville, and several nephews and nieces. Mr. Pickel's career was in the travel industry, working for several airlines for 35 years before retiring and working for A & I Travel. During his career he was a member of Sertoma Club & Skål International (past president of Memphis chapter). After retiring from A & I, he worked at Plantation Golf Course in Olive Branch. Mr. Pickel was a devoted and loving husband, father and grandfather who enjoyed travel, golf and spending time with family and friends. For many years, he was a volunteer at the FESJC and after retirement, he was a Blue Suede Service Airport Ambassador. He also volunteered at St. Francis Hospital and was a regular Lifeblood donor. He was a faithful member of Mullins United Methodist Church for 38 years. He donated his body to the Medical Education & Research Institute (Genesis Foundation). The family thanks the Kirby Pines Staff & Crossroads Hospice Staff for their loving care of him in his final days. A visitation will be held at Kirby Pines Chapel on June 20 from 1-3 p.m. A celebration of his life will take place at Mullins United Methodist Church, 4 North Mendenhall on June 21 at 2 p.m., with visitation to begin at 12:30 p.m. In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to Mullins United Methodist Church, Crossroads Hospice, or the Kirby Pines Employees Fund.