Death Notice – At the age of 90, William Edward Douglass of Bradford, a man whose life spanned across continents and professions, peacefully passed away on January 31, 2024, at his residence. Born on December 15, 1933, in Sunderland, England, he leaves behind a legacy of remarkable experiences and a profound impact on both sides of the Atlantic.
William, son of the late William E. and Doris (Bell) Douglass, began his educational journey at Castletown School and later pursued a degree in human resource management at the University of North Carolina at Wilmington. His professional journey took him from the coal mines of Hylton (Castletown) Colliery in England to employment at Corning Glass, both in England and the United States.
Settling in Bradford in 1971, William worked as the Human Resource Manager for Corning Glass and Southwest Airlines, later becoming a Safety Engineer at Southwest Airlines until his retirement. Even in retirement, he continued contributing to the workforce, spending a decade at the Las Colinas Country Club in Irving, Texas.
Beyond his professional accomplishments, William was an avid golfer, embodying a passion that led him to become a life member of the Las Colinas Country Club. His commitment extended to helping run golf tournaments for the LPGA, showcasing his dedication to the sport.
Survived by his daughter, Christine Hannon, and grandchildren, William maintained close ties with family. His former wife, Branda Douglass Thorne, and a wide circle of family and friends in both the U.S. and the U.K. share in the grief of his passing.
William was actively involved in his community, holding membership in the Knights of Columbus Council 403 and the Pennhills Club. He also had a deep connection with St. Bernard Church, where a Mass of Christian Burial will be held on Saturday, February 10, 2024, at 11 a.m., with Rev. John Jacquel as celebrant. The interment will follow at St. Bernard’s Cemetery.
In lieu of flowers, the family suggests memorial contributions to the Knights of Columbus or St. Bernard’s Church Building Fund, emphasizing William’s commitment to community service and the values he held dear throughout his remarkable life.
