William "Al" Lynch, was born on July 2, 1940, in Clarendon, Arkansas and the first born to the family of Alvin Lynch and Violet Thompson Dietrich.

In 1955 at the age of 15, Al enlisted in the U.S. Army after convincing his mother it was just an advanced form of the Boy Scouts.  Once the Army realized he was underage, he was honorably discharged a year later and encouraged to come back when he was of age.  Instead, he enlisted in the Navy as a pipefitter and damage controlman, sparking a 23-year career that led him around the world.  His technical prowess was evident early, helping him quickly work his way up the ranks to eventually become a Temporary Limited Duty Officer Lieutenant, permanent Chief Warrant Officer 3 as a Hull Technician and Damage Controlman.  He served on a variety of ships including the Henrico, Comstock, Arlington, Hancock, and was on the commissioning crew of the Eisenhower.  He retired out of Millington Naval Air Station in August 1980.  His service to his country took him to numerous locations, both domestic and international, including San Diego, Alameda, Norfolk, Newport News, and Millington, TN, as well as several overseas tours that included, Japan, Subic Bay and three tours in Vietnam spanning 51 months.

His dedication, bravery, and service were recognized with several medals, including the Good Conduct Medal; Armed Forces Expeditionary Medal, Vietnam Service Medal, Republic of Vietnam Campaign Medal, Vietnam Cross of Gallantry, Vietnamese Technical Medal, Vietnamese Staff Service Medal; Navy Unit Commendation Ribbon, Combat Action Ribbon, Republic of Vietnam Armed Forces, Meritorious Unit Citation (Gallantry Cross), Civil Action Medal, First Class Color w/palm and Navy Commendation Medal 2nd award, with Valor.  Upon retiring from Naval Service in 1980, Al continued his maritime pursuits by supporting the Royal Saudi Navy's technical training program in Al Jubail Saudi Arabia for 7 years and fully retired from the Merchant Marines in 1995 as Chief Engineer on ships operating in the Gulf of Mexico.  He continued serving the community as an active member of the Military Officers Association, Fleet Reserve Association, multiple Vietnam Veteran Associations, and the National Rifle Association.

Beyond his accomplished military and professional life, Al was a family man who cherished the moments he spent with his family, especially his grandchildren. He was known for his keen interest in politics, and due to his willingness to share his opinions on contentious issues, he was known to be on a first-name basis with some of the staffers of his congressional delegations over the years.  He loved to debate and share his insights and knowledge and was always quick with a story that kept all around him entertained to the fullest.  When he wasn't stretching the truth with his sea stories you could also find him "fixing old, busted guns" as his primary hobby or just generally tinkering in his shop.

On May 24, 2026, at the age of 85, Al passed away in Little Rock, Arkansas after a valiant multi-year fight against the ravages of dementia. He was preceded in death by his parents, Alvin Lynch (Vera) and Violet Dietrich, wife Roberta Lynch, sons Robert and Ronald Lynch, daughter Yukari Lynch, and sister Martha Dortch.

He is survived by his sons Jim Lynch (Lisa) of Byhalia, Mississippi, Nick Lynch of Little Rock, Arkansas, his companion of ten years Patricia Umholz of Clarendon, Arkansas, his sister Nona Alessio of Napa, California, eight grandchildren, Alyssa, Jessica, Jacob, Joshua, Jessica, Alison, Will, Cara, and nine great-grandchildren Savanna, Olivia, Thomas, Sawyer, Luke, Landon, Madi, Ridge, and Wyatt.

As we remember him, we celebrate a life lived with courage, character, and devotion to his family. His legacy will live on in the hearts of those who knew him, and his contributions to his country will never be forgotten.  We bid farewell to a protective brother, a devoted father, a proud patriot, and a beloved grandfather.  Fair winds and following seas Sailor, your watch is finally over.