Remembering William Nye: Rochelle Veteran and Navy Hero

William Gore Nye Sr., a graduate of Rochelle Township High School, served honorably in the United States Navy from 1964 to 1967. He passed away on July 11, 2024, at the age of 82. Nye, born on July 21, 1941, completed his education at Rochelle High School in 1959 and later attended the University of Wyoming, where he earned a bachelor of arts degree in history with a minor in political science in 1963.

Nye chose to enlist in the Navy during the draft era to fulfill his service requirement. His military career included two tours and service in the Navy Reserves from 1967 to 1970, culminating in an honorable discharge. He was stationed on the USS Enterprise, where he earned several military honors, including the Vietnam Service Medal with Stars, the Vietnam Campaign Medal with Device, and the National Defense Service Medal.

Service and Impact

Throughout his enlistment, Nye worked as a staff officer under Admiral James L. Holloway III, who later became the chief of naval operations. Initially stationed in Europe, Nye’s responsibilities included working with codes and classified documents, a role that surprised his family due to his academic background in mathematics. His brother, Philip Hastings Nye Jr., recalled, “His duty was in codes. It was interesting work.”

Nye’s commitment to service was evident when he chose to extend his tour in Vietnam despite having the option to return home. Philip Nye shared that the family had mixed feelings about this decision. “He had a chance to get out and chose to go back. I was glad to get his records later in my life to learn more about it. My family takes a lot of pride in his military honors,” he said.

During his time in Vietnam, Nye’s journey to the USS Enterprise was marked by an unusual transfer. He was flown from Europe to the Philippines and then transported to the aircraft carrier via a smaller vessel, where crews used ropes to assist his transfer. “Hearing that story showed me that the admiral really wanted him there,” Philip Nye reflected.

A Life Beyond the Navy

After his military service, Nye pursued a legal career, graduating from the University of Colorado School of Law with a JD degree in 1970. He passed the bar in Utah and began working for the law firm Worsley, Snow and Christensen in Salt Lake City. His career continued with positions at the First National Bank in Chicago, Continental Bank Trust Company, Valley National Bank of Arizona, and the Maricopa County Public Fiduciary.

Nye was also deeply involved in his community through his membership at Valley Presbyterian Church for over 40 years. His contributions included teaching Sunday School, serving as a deacon, and assisting fellow congregants with transportation to services and appointments.

Married to Margaret Ann Wiese on April 11, 1974, Nye was a father to four children—Joseph, William Jr., Peter, and Scott—and a grandfather to eight grandchildren. Philip Nye noted how his brother’s military experience shaped him as a person. “His service changed his personality. He was extremely tolerant and a mature adult. He loved it,” he said.

Despite his successful legal career, Nye maintained a connection to the Navy, participating in the Navy Reserves and enjoying cruises on the Great Lakes. Philip Nye recalled, “One of the last things he told me was that part of him wished he would have stayed in the Navy as his career. He liked the Navy. He said his first love was the sea and ships.”

William Gore Nye Sr. was laid to rest in Oregon with full military honors. His brother, reflecting on their relationship, expressed how much he missed their regular conversations. “We talked 2-3 times a week in his later years. I miss hearing how he’s doing and how things were going,” Philip Nye said.

The feature “Honoring Our American Hero” highlights local veterans and runs twice a month in the Rochelle News-Leader. For nominations, contact Jeff Helfrich at [email protected].