May 23, 1934 — June 22, 2025
Fair Oaks Ranch resident retired Brig. Gen. Wilson Charles “Bill” Cooney, U.S. Air Force, passed away Sunday, June 22, 2025, surrounded by his loving family. He was born to Wilson Sylvester and Florence Elizabeth Galaida Cooney in Bethlehem, Pennsylvania, on May 23, 1934.
The family later moved to Emmaus, Pennsylvania, where he met the love of his life, Margaret Frances “Fran” McAuley. After graduating high school, Bill began his extensive military career in the U.S. Air Force and entered Aviation Cadet Training at Ellington AFB, Texas. Shortly after his cadet training, he married Fran on April 2, 1955.
During his Air Force career, Bill flew several types of aircraft, including the B-57 Canberra and the RF-4 Phantom. His assignments took him across the U.S. and all over the world, including Japan, Korea, Italy and Germany.
Along with several command positions in the U.S., Bill was the NATO Deputy Commander of both the 2nd and 5th Allied Tactical Air Forces in Europe. A cherished highlight of his time in Europe was meeting and conversing with Pope John Paul II during a visit to Rome.
The general was a command pilot with more than 5,000 flying hours. His numerous military decorations included two Legion of Merit awards. After retiring from the Air Force in 1985, Bill served at USAA Insurance Services as President and Deputy CEO.
He retired from USAA in 1999 to start several ventures in the U.K. and U.S., most notably the award winning CSG Call Center in San Antonio. Bill was instrumental in growing the company from 12 employees to over 500 employees, including former military and disabled veterans.
He also served on several boards for a variety of companies and non-profits. In addition, Bill enjoyed advising and helping people raise capital for their start-up ventures or business expansions. He was also an avid golfer and enjoyed playing some of his favorite courses such as Pebble Beach and St. Andrews.
Bill is survived by his four children, Bill Cooney Jr., David (Sarah) Cooney, Susan (Thomas) Strasevicz and Karen Springer, as well as 11 grandchildren, 10 great-grandchildren, and his brother Jack (Lois) Cooney. He was preceded in death by his parents and wife of 66 years, Fran.
A Funeral Mass will be held on Tuesday, July 8, at 10:30 a.m. at St. Peter the Apostle Catholic Church with visitation preceding at 9:30 a.m. Burial will be held at Fort Sam Houston National Cemetery the same day, at 2:30 p.m.
In lieu of flowers, please donate to the St. Vincent de Paul Society of St. Peter the Apostle Catholic Church at www.stpetersboerne.com. To leave condolences for the family and to view a video of Bill’s life, please visit www. ebensberger-fisher.com.
— PAID OBITUARY —
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