William L. Cruise, age 81, formerly of Hawaii, passed away peacefully on May 26, 2026, at Silver Maples Assisted Living in Chelsea, Michigan.
William was born on June 1, 1944, in Dante, Virginia, to Gaither and Cornelia (Patton) Cruise. He proudly served his country in the United States Air Force from 1964-1972, including service in Vietnam from 1968-1969 as a Staff Sergeant and aircraft technician. Following his time in the Air Force, he continued his military service with the Air National Guard.
William had an adventurous spirit that defined his life. He traveled the world, enjoyed motorcycle tours, and loved riding roller coasters. He also had a lifelong passion for trains of all kinds, from toy trains to real-life locomotives. William worked as a Systems Engineer for Canada-France-Hawaii Telescope Company in Hawaii.
William enjoyed trivia and especially loved playing Rummikub with his friends at Silver Maples, where he formed many meaningful friendships.
William will be lovingly remembered by his daughter, Cathleen (Philip) Cruise-Thompson of Dexter, Michigan; his grandchildren, Taylor, Emma, and Zoe; the mother of his daughter, Peggy Inouye of Hawaii; and his brothers, Robert Cruise of Virginia and John Cruise of Idaho.
Memorial contributions may be made to the Silver Maples Employee Scholarship Fund.
Arrangements entrusted to Staffan-Mitchell Funeral Home.
