William Archibald McVitty

William Archibald McVitty passed on September 26, 2025, at a care facility in Petaluma, California. Born January 15, 1933, in Mount Vernon, New York and a fifty-seven plus-year resident of Gualala, California, he was 92 years old. He was predeceased by his wife Ava Chambers McVitty, who passed nine months ago; by parents Archie and Eileen; siblings Charles, Terrence, Virginia and Alice; birth mother Anna Sweeney McVitty; and his first wife and two children by that marriage.

He is survived by a loving and connected family: son Jerry Tidwell (Jerilyn), Daughter Mary Ann Tidwell-Jones (Bob); grandchildren Colleen, Andrew (Lauren), Chris, John, Robert; great-grandchildren Hudson and Nash; sisters-in-law Jone Chambers and Marsha Chambers; cousin Stephanie McVitty; cousins Helen and Gerald Murders, Willa Dean Graves; and numerous nieces and nephews.

Born and raised in Mount Vernon, New York, he was a member of a large and connected Irish family. Graduating early, he joined the United States Air Force just after high school. After training, he was sent to Occupied West Germany for the first of three tours of duty there. Focused on radar operations and maintenance, he also served in Labrador and several locations in the United States. He was a member of the American military throughout the core time of the Cold War. Receiving many accolades, awards and training certifications, he eventually retired after twenty years attaining the rank of Senior Master Sergeant.

In 1968, while stationed at the Air Force Radar Station near Point Arena, located on the Mendocino County Coast in Northern California, he met Ava Chambers Tidwell McVitty. They married on February 5, 1970, and were nearing fifty-five years of marriage when she passed. He persevered in her absence, continuing to undergo treatments for cancer as well as dealing with various cardiac issues until his passing. He thought and spoke about her and missed her until his last moments. Appreciation and gratitude to the staff of Windsong of Sonoma for their nurturing support and care.

Together they owned and operated several businesses, including a gas station and a real estate company in Gualala. They retired in their mid-fifties, living a long and rich retirement.

Bill and Ava found great joy in travel. They took trips to Ireland, Germany, Austria, and the Caribbean; their main travel focus, and efforts were in seeing the United States, taking numerous driving trips to sights, family, and friends while experiencing a significant majority of the lower 48 states.

Through Ava and his introduction to Arkansas relatives, ways, and living resulted in twice-yearly trips there for decades and eventual ownership of a farm they took great pride in. Splitting time between their homes in California and Arkansas, the very different existences they had in both, brought them great pleasure and enjoyment.

He will be laid to rest at Rocky Cemetery, Sims, Arkansas alongside Ava and generations of family. A graveside service will be held on October 9, 2025, at 11am. Arrangements under the direction of Thornton Funeral Home in Mount Ida, AR. Guest register at www.thorntonfh.com.