William Lynn Boglio

William (Bill) Lynn Boglio, age 81, passed away in his home on May 28, 2025.

The youngest child of Sabas and Margaret Boglio, Bill was born on April 5, 1944, in Mount Clemens, Michigan. Then at the age of five, his family moved to Tampa, Florida, and it was here that he would play the violin for his junior high school orchestra and excel in both academics and athletics. He participated in science fairs, joined the honor society, was selected for Florida Boys State, and received the high school math award. He also played basketball for countless hours on a neighborhood basketball court and later played for his high school basketball team. Additionally, Bill joined the high school track team—participating in high jump and medley relay events. And it was during this time, at the age of 16, that Bill attended a tent revival and accepted Jesus Christ as his Savior—a decision that would impact the rest of his life.

After high school, Bill remained in Tampa and pursued an electrical engineering degree from the University of South Florida. During these studies, he chose to become a co-op student and ultimately was selected to co-op with NASA in Huntsville, Alabama. Upon earning his engineering degree, he then was given the opportunity to join NASA full-time, and he readily accepted the job, beginning his 40-year career there.

Shortly after moving to Huntsville, Bill attended a church retreat and met Gayle Power, who became the love of his life. The two married and started a family—with their daughters, Tonya and Audrea—and Bill fully devoted himself to being a great provider and support to all three of his “girls.” He also took on hobbies around the house—doing some gardening, repairs, and even building furniture pieces. In addition, Bill led his young family to become actively involved in a strong local church, where he joined the choir and a men’s quartet, served as a deacon, and taught a Sunday School class.

Later, when both of his daughters had left for college, Bill had time to pursue even more interests. Through sports leagues at NASA, he played basketball, volleyball, and tennis. He also joined multiple bowling leagues, began square-dancing, and took sign language classes.

However, it wasn’t too long before his daughters married and started families of their own—which soon made Bill a proud grandfather to six grandchildren—and he continued to pour into these newest members of his family through his time, support, and example. And not surprisingly, his grandchildren now share many of the same interests and activities they have watched him enjoy.

Bill will continue to be thought of and loved for his devotion, generosity, intelligence, and humor. He also will be greatly missed—until we see him again.

Bill is preceded in death by his parents, Sabas and Margaret Boglio; sister, Anita (Vincent) Laconis; and brother, Art (Bettie) Boglio.

He is survived by his wife, Gayle Power; his daughters, Tonya (Matt) Daugherty and Audrea (Jeff) McKnight; grandchildren, Austen McKnight, Ian Daugherty, Lindsey Daugherty, Benjamin McKnight, Will Daugherty, and Ellie Daugherty; brother, Sam (Pat) Boglio; and many nieces and nephews, great-nieces and great-nephews.

Visitation will be open at 12:00 pm on Sunday, June 1, 2025, at Legacy Chapel Funeral Home, 16 Hughes Road, Madison, AL 35758, and a Funeral Service will be held at 1:00 pm. The Burial Service will follow at Athens City Cemetary, 501 Washington St E, Athens, AL 35611.