William Gurdon Ramroth, Sr. was born August 28, 1923, in Troy, New York and was raised in Green Island, New York. He enlisted in the Marine Corps in December 1941, and served in the South Pacific. After World War II, he graduated from the University of Chicago as an Aeronautical Engineer. He worked for General Electric, Boeing and Thiokol Chemical Corporation designing, building and testing rockets, missiles and space craft.

In 1983, he was transferred to Vandenberg Air Force Base to help fly space shuttles and has lived in Vandenberg Village since 1988.

Bill was an active member of the Lompoc Elks Lodge and their camping club. He also enjoyed woodworking.

Bill is survived by his loving wife Anna, brother Bob Bowman of Montana, sons Bill Jr. (Perky) of Millbrae, California, David of Boulder, Colorado and Richard of Long Beach, California, step-children Henry (Barbara) Rohrs of St. Louis, Missouri and Jane Rohrs of Arlington, Virginia, four grandchildren and three great-grandchildren. His first wife Esther M. Swingle Ramroth predeceased him in 1982.

No services are planned.