William Alvin Locke, 78, of Melbourne, Florida, passed away on February 4, 2026.

Born in Covington County, Alabama, on August 4, 1947, William was the son of William David Locke, Jr. and Jo Ann (Mikel) Locke. He grew up in Niceville, Florida, where he was an original member of the Boggy Boys, a bond of friendship and community that remained a cherished part of his life.

William enlisted in the United States Army in August 1965 at Montgomery, Alabama, and served his country with honor and courage during the Vietnam War. Airborne qualified, he served with the 101st Airborne Division, the 82nd Airborne Division, and the 14th Combat Aviation Battalion. He deployed to Vietnam three times and was twice wounded in combat, earning two Purple Hearts for his sacrifice. He also earned the Combat Infantryman Badge, the Army Commendation Medal with Oak Leaf Cluster, and the Parachutist Badge. He was honorably discharged in October 1974 at the rank of Sergeant, having given nearly nine years of active service to his country. Like his father before him, he answered his nation’s call and bore the wounds of war with quiet dignity.

Following his military service, William earned his Associate of Applied Science degree from Okaloosa–Walton Junior College and later graduated with honors from Troy University. He then began a distinguished 30–year federal civil service career, serving from December 29, 1973, through December 31, 2003. He worked in various roles at Eglin Air Force Base and later at Cape Canaveral, where his career culminated as a Program Support Manager at the Range Operations Control Center (ROCC) with the 45th Range Squadron / 1st Range Operations Squadron from July 1997 to December 2003. In this role, he provided critical support to Navy nuclear submarine operations, vital work that combined technical precision with the highest levels of responsibility and security.

After retiring from federal service, William continued his career as a Systems Engineer with Lockheed Martin, bringing decades of experience and expertise to support the nation’s defense and aerospace missions.

Those who knew William remember a man of quiet dedication and steady presence. He carried himself with the dignity of someone who understood what service meant, not grand gestures, but showing up day after day to do the work that mattered. He was loving and devoted to his family, and took particular joy in his role as grandfather, cherishing time with his grandchildren.

His service plaque bears a quote that captures his character: “I have jumped on my horse one too many times….” the words of a man who showed up, did the work, and never quit even when it was hard.

William is survived by his wife, Penny Bass Locke; his sons, William David Locke III and Michael Locke; grandchildren William David Locke IV, Wilder Locke, and Rowen Locke; siblings Robert Locke and Joyce Locke; and numerous nieces and nephews.

He was preceded in death by his parents, William David Locke, Jr. and Jo Ann (Mikel) Locke; and siblings Thomas Locke and Diane Locke.