William "Bill" E. Queen

William E. “Bill” Queen, 85, passed away at home in Titusville, Florida, June 15, 2024. He is survived by his devoted wife of 64 years, Lois Bradley Queen, daughters: Lois “Lisa” Semmens and Sara B. Queen (Jason Slibeck), and two grandchildren, Bennett Slibeck and Emma Slibeck.

Bill grew up in Dillsboro, NC. He was awarded a US Naval ROTC scholarship to the University of South Carolina. In 1960, Bill graduated third in the university, first in the School of Engineering, and was elected to Phi Beta Kappa.

Bill spent 20 years working for the National Security Agency (NSA). His work focused on cryptography and randomization. Bill received both an NSA Original Invention Award and a US patent. In 1980, Bill joined NASA as the Director, Electronic Engineering, Kennedy Space Center, working on the Shuttle program, the International Space Station, and the retrofit of Pad B in the early 1980s. He was awarded the NASA Exceptional Service Medal for his work. Following his retirement, Bill entered the private sector, working with a number of companies on the Space Coast and teaching at the University of Central Florida.

Over the past 40 years Bill was active at First United Methodist Church in Titusville. Bill also chaired the Royal Oak Civic Association.

Godspeed, our Cold War Warrior.