William Benjamin “Bill” Wojtas passed away suddenly on July 17, 2020 in McKinney, Texas. He was born on May 12, 1969 in Chicago, Illinois of Polish descent. Bill grew up in Chicago and moved to Douglas where he lived until he finished high school in 1987. That same year he enlisted in the United States Marine Corps and served nearly eight years until late 1994. Bill was a true patriot and a Marine through and through. As an Embarkation Specialist and NCO in the Marines, he was a Military Dangerous Goods Specialist, an advanced load planner and an instructor. He held numerous positions around the United States and Okinawa, Japan.
In 2000, Bill graduated with an Associate Degree General Studies from Wilber Wright College, winning the prestigious Socrates Award that year. Bill furthered his education, and in 2007, he graduated from Northeastern Illinois with a bachelor’s degree in General Inter-disciplinary Studies. Prior to launching his career, Bill attended The University of Maryland, Asian Division from 1988 – 1993 where he studied the Japanese Language and Culture.
Bill began his commercial career with Nippon Cargo Airlines as a Cargo Sales Supervisor in 1995 and moved to Pegasus International Freight as Sales Manager in 2001. In 2002, he joined Northwest Airlines in Commercial and Military Cargo Operations. When he transitioned to United Airlines in 2010, he worked in Dangerous Goods, first as a Specialist and then for nine years as Manager. Bill was recently promoted to Senior Manager, Regulatory Compliance and Dangerous Goods for United Airlines. He was recognized internationally as an expert in transportation of hazardous cargo, writing and helping develop policies with IATA for airline and cargo safety used by airlines around the world. He regularly consulted with the FAA and Department of Transportation, and most recently was tapped as one of 25 experts nationally to participate on a Congressional Committee on lithium batteries. A government colleague said “this devastating news will send shockwaves throughout the international aviation dangerous goods safety community—a tight knit group.” Bill's contributions to hazardous cargo policies and operations have had a direct impact on improving air travel safety for passengers across the globe.
Bill was active in numerous organizations including the American Legion, Shriners International - Old Chicago Shrine Club, Medinah Shrine Temple, Chicago, Illinois; Worshipful Master, Wayfarers Lodge 1001, A.F.A.M. Illinois; Masonic and Military Order of the Red Cross of Constantine, York Rite Colleges of North America – Chicago; Thrice Illustrious Master, Council of Cryptic Masons – Evanston; Past Eminent Commander, Commandery of Knights Templar – Evanston; Ancient and Accepted Scottish Rite – Chicago; Excellent High Priest, Grand Royal Arch Chapter of the State of Illinois; Ancient Free and Accepted Masons of Illinois; Charter Member, Lux Lunae 1181, Chicago, Illinois.
Bill is survived by his loving wife of nearly four years, Meredith Spiegel Wojtas; stepdaughter, Jessica Elizabeth King; stepfather, Dario Henao who gave Bill a deep appreciation of Hispanic culture; and “adopted brothers”, Ben Davila of Douglas/Tucson, Arizona and Mac McWilliams of Chicago, Illinois.
He was preceded in death by his mother and father, Lorraine and William Wojtas.
In support of our local, state, and federal govt including CDC directives and to protect the physical health, safety and well-being of our community, only a limited number of guests will be allowed to attend the Funeral Service.
A memorial service will be held at 4:00 p.m., Tuesday, July 28, 2020, at Turrentine-Jackson-Morrow Funeral Home Chapel, 2525 Central Expressway North, Allen, Texas 75013, and will also be live streamed on the Turrentine-Jackson-Morrow Facebook page and a recorded video will be available following the funeral service on Bill's obituary page.
However, when the maximum number of guests are reached, those who would like to honor Bill and show their support to his family may remain at the funeral home in your vehicle, where you can watch the live streamed service on your personal device (laptop, tablet or smartphone) or listen through a designated FM radio channel.
Facebook live stream for service https://www.facebook.com/TurrentineJacksonMorrow/videos/313174789834789/