William (Billy) Edward Caldwell,

December 11, 1950 – April 7, 2025

"Every time a bell rings, an angel gets his wings"

(a famous line from the classic Christmas movie, It's a Wonderful Life.)

Billy received his wings on April 7, 2025, at his home in Flagstaff, Arizona, surrounded

by his beloved Sandra Ann Reeves Caldwell and his loving daughter, Ella Lavelle

Caldwell.

Billy was born on December 11, 1950, in Evansville, Indiana, the youngest of six

children born to Joseph Wallace Caldwell Sr. and Joanna Ella Jones Caldwell. He was a

good son and brother, loved and respected by all who knew him.

He is survived by his oldest brother, Joseph Wallace Caldwell Jr., his wife Lynn, and

their daughters Christine (Jim) and Cathy, and Cathy's daughter Mira. Also surviving are

his brother Ronald Caldwell and Ronald's children: John and his wife Marnie and

children; Sally, her husband Matt, and their children; and Ellen. He is also survived by

his brother Bruce Freeman Caldwell, Bruce's wife Joan, and their daughter Lisa.

Welcoming him in heaven are his parents; his brother Thomas Caldwell; his

sister Charlotte and his niece Katie (daughter of Bruce and Joan).

Billy spent his school years in Boulder, Colorado, and graduated from Boulder High

School in 1969. Billy exceled in every sport he played. Brother Bruce said he was one

of the best football players he had ever seen. Billy was also one hell of a baseball

player hitting a .310 one year and playing all conference. Out of all the boys, Billy was

the best athlete per Bruce.

After graduation, he took a memorable motorcycle trip to the Gulf Mexico with his best friends,

Mike Walker and Bill Dugan. In 1970, he enlisted in the United States Navy, serving as an

Aviation Fire Control Technician Airman until 1974. He was stationed at NAS Lemoore,

California, and later worked with the United States Forestry Department in Big Sur —

his favorite place on Earth.

In the years following his military service, Billy spent many summers working at

Colorado Mountain Ranch for Mike and Lynn Walker. He served as the camp's main bus

driver and assisted Mike with the corral and horses.

Billy married Sandy in 1978, and in 1985, they welcomed their daughter, Ella. A skilled

carpenter and landscaper, Billy worked for himself throughout his life. His craftsmanship

lives on in homes across Colorado, Washington, Hawaii, and California — and in the

homes of his family.

In 1987, the family moved to Hawaii, living on Ford Island in Pearl Harbor for three

years. While there, Billy earned a commendation from the Pacific 3rd Fleet Admiral for

his incredible Christmas decorations. He also designed, landscaped, and maintained the

gardens at two residences of Princess Kawanakoa and assisted the Budweiser Clydesdale

Team during their visits to Honolulu.

Billy retired in Cle Elum, Washington, on the mountain property he had cherished since

1981. He spent his later years canoeing, relaxing, and hand-feeding the deer. A man of

great kindness, Billy was richly rewarded in life by helping others. He loved his family

and friends deeply — and they loved him right back.

Billy was already an angel, just living on Earth. He will be missed forever by all who

knew him.

Rest in Peace, Billy.

May God give to you and all whom you love His comfort and peace, His light and joy, in

this world and the next. And may the blessings of God Almighty be upon you. Amen.

Funeral Services will be held October 20th, 2025 at 11am.

Arizona Veteran's Memorial Cemetery at Camp Navajo.