William Hults

William "Bill" C. Hults (1961-2024) TGST, USAF (RET.) Born in Kentucky in 1961 to Carl and Ruby Hults. Bill enjoyed music from a young age. He particularly loved playing guitar and was the lead guitarist in a band during his high school years. He graduated from Lakenheath American High School in the United Kingdom in 1979 and enlisted in the United States Air Force in August of 1982. A proud Veteran, Bill served 20 years in the Air Force. He started working as a Turbo-Prop Engine Mechanic, then as an Operation System Management Specialist, before finishing his military career as a Sensor Operator on the AC-130U Gunships. He attained the rank of Tech Sergeant before his retirement from the 4th SOS based at Hurlburt Field, FL in 2002. Among his awards and decorations are the Aerial Achievement Medal, Air Force Commendation Medal, and Air Force Achievement Medal. After his retirement, Bill became a civilian contractor, working with several companies over the years. He ended up working with the 19th SOS as a SIM Operator for the AC130U/J models, accruing an estimated over 6,000 hours of time in the flight simulators and assisting approximately 3,500 aircrew/students over the last 10 years. In 1998, Bill started B&K Sports, Etc. alongside his wife, Karen, which is still open to this day. As an avid Tampa Bay Bucs fan, he believed in everyone having a one-stop place to shop for their favorite sports teams. Bill was preceded in death by his parents and by his brother Donald Hults. He is survived by his wife Karen Hults; sister Kim Hults; children Nikia Hults, Beatrice (Steven) Schutter, Kaylee (Paul) Hedtkamp, and Clayton (Lindsay) Hults; as well as four grandchildren. As we remember Bill, we recall lyrics from one of his favorite songs: "Cause I'm as free as a bird now, and this bird you cannot change." (Lynyrd Skynyrd, "Freebird") Friends and members of the community are invited to join Bills' family on Sunday, August 4th, 2024, from 2-4PM for a celebration of life at the Air Force Armament Museum EOD Room on 100 Museum Drive in Eglin Air Force Base.