William Harry Van Dyke, retired United States Navy MCPO, of Tampa, Florida passed away surrounded by his wife and family in the care of Haley’s Cove at James A. Haley VA Hospital Tampa, Florida on May 5, 2016. He was born on July 29, 1921 in Punxsutawney, Pennsylvania to Lloyd and Martha (Brown) Van Dyke. He was of the Baptist faith and his favorite, often quoted scripture was John 6:47, “He that believes on me hath everlasting life”.
MCPO Van Dyke is survived by his loving family: his wife, Marilyn Van Dyke of Tampa, Florida; a son, William Van Dyke (Mary Love) of Titusville, Florida and daughters: Cindy Trask (Sonny) of Lakeland, Florida; Bette Lou Swilley (Grover) of Doraville, Georgia; Lisa Savering (Chip) of Wesley Chapel, Florida and Marlo Rakocy (Jason) of Hamilton, Georgia; (14) grandchildren and (3) great grandchildren. He is preceded in death by his sister, Mary Turner and one great grandchild, Makaela Griffin.
Shortly after graduating from Hillsborough High School in 1939 he was called into military service. During his 40 year military career he was awarded the American Defense Service Medal; Air Medal with 6 awards; Distinguished Flying Cross; Purple Heart with 2 awards; Navy Good Conduct Medal with 5 awards; Navy Reserve Medal; Naval Reserve Meritorious Service Medal with 2 awards; American Defense Service Medal; Asiatic-Pacific Campaign Medal; European African Middle East Campaign; World War II Victory Medal; National Defense Service Medal; Armed Forces Reserve Medal with 2 awards; Philippines Campaign Medal; Philippines Defense Medal; Philippines Liberation Medal and a Expert Pistol Shot with 5 awards. He was also proud be a Mason and member of Hillsborough Masonic Lodge No. 25.
Graveside services with full military honors will be held on Friday, June 24, 2016, 11:30A.M. at the Florida National Cemetery, 6502 SW 102nd Avenue, Bushnell, Florida, 33513 with the United States Navy and VFW Post 10209 officiating.
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I know everyone calls him by his first name “Bill” but his first name to me has always been Master Chief. I met Master Chief Van Dyke in 1972 and always had the utmost respect for him. With the Master Chiefs passing this Nation of ours loose’s another of the greatest generation. As a WW-II vet all of us hear today owe all we have to them. One only has to look at the Master Chiefs medals to know he did his part for our country. My sincere condolences to the entire Van Dyke family. Sincerely QMCM Don Clark USN (RET)
FORMER RECRUITER NRC ST PETE
Fair Winds And following seas Master Chief
So sorry for the loss of this awesome man. My prayers will be with his entire family. He truly was an amazing American Hero. Blessings and Love, Rosie Rakocy
Bill was a true hero to me, I had the pleasure of meeting him over 25 years ago through his daughter Marlo and Lisa and grew to love him like a father.
This world will be much more boring place without him. He always had a smile, and was ready with a kiss to greet you.
May the Honor guards in heaven greet him with the honor he deserves.
Our sincere condolences to Marylin (one of my favorite ladies), Marlo and Lisa and the rest of the Van Dyke Family!
Love always Laura Reynolds and Family!
Death is so for the living. I know your Grandfather is flying high with our Lord Jesus Christ and will be looking out for all of his loving family. I am truly sorry for you loss. Know you will see him again.
SORRY FOR YOUR LOSS.MY DAD AND UNCLE GRADUATED WITH HIM.
PAULA PARKER SNOW.
Master Chief Vandyke was my mentor and set me up for a very sucessful, rewarding Navy Career. He was a true friend and always looked after me. He was a member of the “Greatest Generation”, a Warrior and True Patriot. This country owes him a great debt of graditude. He is with the Lord and his family, may his heavenly arrival be joyus. Hey Master Chief…”Thank You for your Service, Your Love and Friendship. My Deepest Symapthy to the VanDyke Family and all who knew him and loved him as much as I did. May God Rest your soul, Shipmate.
Very Respectfully…DCCM (CMC) Chuck Peterman, USN (Ret)
Former Recruiter at NRC, Tampa, FL (1972-1984).
My grandfather, whom we called “Pop” was the most amazing man that I have ever known. He was my hero, even as a little girl. I am so fortunate that I have got to spend the last 30 years with him. He taught me many things about myself and about life, that I don’t think I would have taken seriously if it wasn’t for him. You will always be my hero. You will always be my Cheif. I promise you Pop I will make you proud and I will always take care of Grandma. I love you Pop pop💟
Bill was such a funny, sweet, loving man. We didn’t get to see him very often, but we always enjoyed his stories and wit. He will be missed by all who new and lived him. He is with the Lord. Bless his family and friends at this difficult time. Love to all.
You will be so missed Uncle Bill, but, never forgotten! Rest in peace. Thoughts and prayers for the rest of the family.
What I loved about Bill the most was how he tailored his conversation to whom he was speaking with. For me the subject was always naval aviation and his crazy experiences that always ended with a warm chuckle. He was an amazing man who raised many kids AND adults with his shining example. I will miss our talks, Bill! The good news is you are once again in your element of soaring through and parting the clouds. Keep Climbing Bill!…You’re one of a kind! You will be missed but you have given us all so much!
Weeeee, what a quick and easy sonlitou.
No mention how chuck Peterson introduced him to my mom Maryclaire while he was married to Nina and he shot her with 40 kids in the yard and pool at the time. RIP Bill!