Our community lost one of its truest and most faithful servants, when, following a brief illness, William Clarence Logan, known to his many family members and friends as “Bill”, died on the morning of February 12 at Southeast Medical Center in Dothan. He was 86. Born on September 3, 1938, to Charles and Beanie Roe Logan of Ariton, Bill graduated from Ariton High School and earned his Federal Aviation Administration Airframe and Powerplant Certification from the Alabama Aviation Technical Center (now Alabama Aviation College) in Ozark.
Apparently equipped with endless energy and the nation’s strongest work ethic, Bill was employed for 67 years by numerous government contractors at Fort Rucker, as aircraft mechanic, flight mechanic, and technical inspector. He served in the Alabama Air National Guard from 1961 to 1966. He eventually retired from Fort Rucker in 2023 at the age of 84. In 1966, Bill married Jane Locklar of Elba, where they resided for ten years. In 1973, they brought their only child, Molly, into the world. In 1976, the family relocated to the outskirts of New Brockton.
As his years turned golden and his hair turned white, Bill grew a full, luxuriant beard. For the rest of his life, he portrayed a most believable Sants Claus at elementary schools, daycare centers, assisted living facilities, and holiday social events throughout the area.
Besides Jane, Molly, and their grandchildren, the loves of Bill’s life were fishing, working on antique tractors, and hosting barbecue reunions for his family and friends. Bill was preceded in death by his wife of 44 years, Jane Locklar Logan, his parents, Charles and Beanie Roe Logan; his sisters Tula Logan Long and Mabel Logan Hardin; and his brothers, hayward logan, Charles Roe Logan, and Elmer Logan.
Surviving Bill are his daughter, Molly Logan Jones, son-in-law Christopher P. Jones and his grandchildren, Jake and Claire Jones, of New Brockton, and several nieces and nephews.
Bill Logan will be remembered for his piercing blue eyes, his overalls and suspenders, his quick, dry wit, his enjoyment of the great Southern outdoors, and his long career in aviation.
Funeral services will be held from Hayes Funeral Home Chapel on Saturday, February 15, 2025 at 2:00 PM with Min. Greg Hanchey officiating. Burial will follow in the Liberty Church of Christ Cemetery under the direction of Hayes Funeral Home. Visitation will be at Hayes Funeral Home on Saturday, February 15, from 1:00 PM to 2:00 PM.
