William Loyal McCormick, also known as Sonny, or Mac, as those closest referred to him, was born July 31, 1938, in Boley, Oklahoma, to Annie Mae (Crawford) and Joseph Langston McCormick.

His enterprising abilities started as a youth, apprenticing at age fourteen in the electrical field, with what turned out to be his lifelong friend, Forrest Lee. He attended Boley High School and furthered his education when he enlisted in the United States Navy.

While in the Navy, he received numerous awards due to his high quality of work and contributions to the development of such ships as the USS Belleau Wood, USS Wabash, USS Ruben James, and USCGC Morgenthau. After his tour in the Navy, he was employed at the Long Beach Naval Shipyard for thirty years. As he advanced to a leadership position, he received many awards for his dedication and strong work ethic to the Department of the Navy.

By chance, during a visit with his Aunt Luvater, who was visiting her friend Willie Mae Holliday (Kathryn's mother), he met his future wife, Kathryn Holliday. They met in 1981, and on April 20, 1996, their love was sealed in marriage. Throughout their time together, they raised a son and enjoyed traveling abroad to places such as Italy, France, Spain, England, North Africa, and Portugal. Throughout his adult life, Sonny maintained contact with family, particularly the elders, and close friends. With great pleasure, a keen sense of memory, and a sly wit, he often shared invaluable information relating to family history, usually in storytelling form.

On Tuesday, May 12, 2020,  Mr. William McCormick, 81 years of age, formerly of Boley, Oklahoma passed peacefully to his place of rest in Fontana, California.

In his immediate family, Sonny was the last surviving member of his generation. His parents, Joseph Langston McCormick II and Reverend Annie Mae Crawford-McCormick; sisters, Vivian Irene McCormick Bobo, Geraldine McCormick-Harper, Doris Ann McCormickWilliams, and Ester Jean McCormick-King; and brother, Joseph Langston McCormick III, preceded him in death. Also preceding him in death were his wife, Kathryn, December 2018; son, William, Jr.; and step-son, Andre Joseph LeBlanc, August 2017.

He also leaves behind to mourn a host of nieces, nephews and friends. Sonny will always be remembered as a generous, hard-working, and fun-loving man.

You may visit Mr. McCormick, as he slumbers in peaceful repose at the Hyde Park Chapel in Boley on Friday, May 22, 2020, from 11:00 AM until 1:30 PM.

Immediately following visitation, Mr. McCormick will be laid to rest in the Eastlawn Cemetery in Boley at 2:00PM on Friday, May 22, 2020.