SHORT NOTICE: CONFIRMED: William Morgan Kelly, Veteran, US Air Force (184-26) 9 Nov 26
205 Piazza Italia
San Antonio, TX 78207
USA
“SHORT NOTICE”
US AIR FORCE VETERAN
The family of Mr. William Morgan Kelly, a US Air Force Veteran, requests the presence and participation of the San Antonio Patriot Guard at the services, and the LEO supported procession, and graveside rendering of military honors of their loved one. We are honored to accept this invitation.
Our beloved father, grandfather, and great-grandfather, William Morgan Kelly went to be with the Lord on Sunday, November 1, 2026.
William “Bill” Morgan (Pruitt) Kelly was born in Huntsville, Alabama to parents, Ganelle Cole Pruitt and William Morgan Pruitt, on November 8, 1936. He was preceded in death by his wife of 58 years, Elizabeth Catherine Paganucci Kelly, their daughter, Annette Ganelle, his sisters Amelia “Amy” Zitko and Sarah Kelly Walsh, niece, Krista Elizabeth Butler, brother-in- laws, Walter Ray Butler and Lee Zitko, and numerous aunts, uncles and cousins.
Bill is survived by daughters, Gina Marie Eckhart and husband Byron, Andrea Marie Gonzalez and husband William, Paula Marie Kelly; sister-in-law Gilda Paganucci Butler; brother-in-law Gene Frank Paganucci; grandchildren, Alissa Robbins and husband David, Alana Eckhart, Ivanna Saucedo and husband Ricardo, Deandra, Sabrina, Joseph, and Isabella Gonzalez; great-grandchildren, Jerome, Harrison and Hunter Menendez and their father, Kelvin Menendez, Everlee and Cayden Robbins, and Troy and Tiago Saucedo; nephews, Anthony Paganucci and Nick Zitko; nieces, Gianna Comin and husband Robert, Lauran Danhakl and husband Jason, Laura Zitko; great nephews, Gannon Comin, Brayson Danhakl; great niece, Brynley Danhakl. Bill is also survived by his beautiful companion Ms. Sue Dial, who brought light and joy to his life in the last 7 years.
Bill was raised in Columbus, Georgia and was a graduate of Baker High School where he was voted “Best All-Around” was an accomplished trumpet player in the school marching band, a ROTC Cadet Captain, and set records in track and field. He earned an appointment to the newly established Air Force Academy however, upon the sudden death of his mother just weeks before his graduation, he elected to leave his home state, enlist in the United States Air Force and headed to basic training in San Antonio, at Lackland Air Force Base. It was there that he met the love of his life, Elizabeth, who was working in the accounting department and whose uncle, Tony Fazio, just happened to be Bill’s staff sergeant. He later saw her in a Lackland parade where she was princess on a float and the rest, as they say, is history. Bill met her parents, Bernard and Mary Paganucci and after “approval from Gilda and Gene” was quickly adopted into the family and “became Italian by osmosis” as he would always say. Married on Valentine’s Day, 1960, he said his life truly began. He quickly became as incredibly passionate about and proud of “his” Italian heritage as Liz was – becoming a member of San Francesco di Paola Catholic Church, and a devoted member of the Christopher Columbus Italian Society and (later) also of UNICO. Bill was the oldest living past-president and he was so proud to have been elected the first president of the society who was of non-Italian descent! He worked and served in many capacities for several decades, holding every office including board chair. Spaghetti dinners, meetings, old events like Folklife and Food Fest, various activities and anything connected to the CCIS brought such joy to his life. He cared deeply for this organization and cherished the many lifelong friends he and Elizabeth made there, many of whom were in their lives just like family – or who actually were relatives through connected Italian family heritage and years in “the old neighborhood.” Along with Elizabeth, he was also a parishioner since 1963 of Blessed Sacrament Catholic Church, where he served on the parish council and where they both served as Eucharistic ministers. Together, they were strong supporters of Catholic education, active parent volunteers, PTC president, school board member, and chaired numerous events for Blessed Sacrament Catholic School and Ursuline Academy, and supported Incarnate Word High School.
After his years in the U.S. Air Force, Bill earned a B.A. and M.A. in Economics from St. Mary’s University and stayed connected to the university for many years, being involved in chairing booths at the annual Oyster Bake and even returning to be a guest lecturer. He wore his St. Mary’s ring proudly every day of his life. While he was in college and for two decades following, Bill enjoyed a career in the banking industry and ended his career in fleet sales with Ancira, where he earned many awards as top sales person.
Most importantly, Bill lived his life selflessly, in service to God, his entire family, and to others. He was a devoted “Paupau and Big Paupau” to all of his grandchildren and great grandchildren. He was “Uncle Bill” to his nieces and nephews, and was the inspiration and source of immense love to his children, sons-in-law, grandchildren and to all the family; he was so proud of “his crew” as he would often say. We know he was grateful for his friends and family who prayed for him during this last year, especially to his final caregiver, Francisco “Paco” Torres, who showed him such compassion and gentleness. To his beautiful angel, his youngest daughter Paula, for her love and tender care, we know he is eternally grateful.
WEATHER: Hi 65 / Lo 57, 95 % Chance of Rain, 93 % Humidity, Wind: 8 mph NE
REQUESTOR: Gina Eckhart, Daughter
STAGING: 9:00 am, Monday, November 9, 2026
San Francesco Di Paola Catholic Church
205 Piazza Italia
San Antonio, Texas 78207
https://goo.gl/maps/CMNtYfJBdeyHMc3r8
BRIEFING: 9:15 am
SERVICE: 10:00 am
San Francesco Di Paola Catholic Church
205 Piazza Italia
San Antonio, Texas 78207
https://goo.gl/maps/CMNtYfJBdeyHMc3r8
“PLEASE RETURN TO THE CHURCH BY 1:30 pm”
KSU: 1:45 pm (Semper Gumby)
INTERMENT: 2:30 pm
San Fernando Cemetery II
746 Castroville Road
San Antonio, Texas 78237
https://goo.gl/maps/JkTyrTKV8tC2
RC: Pete “Sea Dog” Johnson
pfjohn127@gmail.com
FC: Charles “Music Man” Jones
Cj083206@gmail.com
ADDITIONAL INSTRUCTIONS
1. Iron horses if you can, cages are always welcome and appreciated and unless under special circumstances not allowed in processions. You do not have to have a motorcycle to participate in honoring our veterans.
2. Safety First: Please remember to properly hydrate (including the night before) before any outdoor activity and to dress appropriately. Do not hesitate to take a break at any time if you feel you need to get in the shade or get indoors and always ask for help at any time. Also please do not forget your sun screen.
3. Please remember that our mission is to stand tall and silent, and with honor and. NO TALKING, SMOKING, CHEWING OF TOBACCO PRODUCTS, OR CELL PHONE USE IN THE FLAG LINE!
***Safety Notice***
Before volunteering and/or attending any San Antonio Patriot Guard Riders missions we encourage you to review all safety information below. Included are some potential safety concerns to be aware of, however this does not include the full scope of all potential hazards. Anyone attending any San Antonio Patriot Guard Riders mission understands that they do so at their own risk. Neither the Patriot Guard Riders Organization nor its representatives are liable for any damages incurred on any PGR mission or event.
Funeral Processions/Escorts
EVERY RIDER IS SOLELY RESPONSIBLE for their own safety at all times while riding in a funeral procession.
At NO TIME are any riders authorized to block any intersection or otherwise block or impede traffic laws in any way. Only Law Enforcement officials are authorized to block and/or impeded the lawful flow of traffic.
If you choose to fly a Flag on your bike you are SOLELY RESPONSIBLE for ensuring it is secured and not a danger to any other rider or traffic.
Warm Regards,
Bob “Pizza Man” Johnson
Asst. State Captain
Deputy State Captain
San Antonio Patriot Guard
Dignity, Honor, Respect
Cell: 562-413-2223
“We can’t all be heroes. Some of us get to stand on the curb and clap as they go by.”
Will Rogers