Major (Ret) Billie (Bill) Herman Loucks

Billie (Bill) Herman Loucks of Enterprise, Alabama, passed away Wednesday, September 18, 2019 at Flowers Hospital from a heart attack as the result of complications during a medical procedure.  Bill’s pride was his family.  He is survived by his loving wife of 47 years, Marie Loucks of Enterprise, AL; his two sons, Timothy Loucks and wife Lisa of Winter Garden, FL, Joe Loucks and his wife Shannon of Louisville, KY; two grandchildren, Victoria Loucks, Savannah, GA and Logan Loucks, Winter Garden, FL. Bill was born in DuQuoin, IL , the son of Herman and Myrtle Loucks, brother to Richard Pierce and Priscilla Terry.  It was early in his childhood that he developed his strong work ethic delivering newspapers.  He then went on to hold a variety of jobs, including working in a munitions factory before joining the Armed Forces.  While his military service to did not define Bill, he spent many years of his life defending our country.  Bill began his career as a mechanic in the Air Force in 1960, going on to then serve as an Army helicopter pilot from November 3rd, 1965 until retiring with the rank of Major on December 22nd, 1981.  Bill had a distinguished career as an Army pilot, serving 2 tours in Vietnam.  His first tour was with the prestigious 170th “Bikini’s” Assault Helicopter Company and flew Chinook’s in the second.  During his service, he earned the Master Army Aviator Badge, National Defense Service Medal Republic of Vietnam Campaign Medal, Republic of Vietnam Service Medal, Air Medal w/V Device, Army Commendation Medal (2 Oak Leaf Clusters), Republic of Vietnam Gallantry Cross w/ Palm, Armed Forces Reserve Medal and Army Service Ribbon.  Upon retiring, Bill continued to serve as an instructor pilot, training future Army helicopter pilots.  During this time, he earned the Broken Wing Award for successfully saving the crew after experiencing in-flight engine failure. Bill had several hobbies and interests that kept him busy throughout his life.  He enjoyed woodworking, metalworking, auto repair, and electronics.  Mostly, Bill loved animals, especially dogs.  Through the years, he and his family cared for many rescues.  So, the family asks that in lieu of flowers, please donate in his name to your local Humane Society (www.humanesociety.org).  You may also send condolences to the family at www.searcyfuneralhome.com online guest book. To order memorial trees or send flowers to the family in memory of Major (Ret) Billie (Bill) Herman Loucks, please visit our flower store.