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William Walton Vaughan, Jr., 90, of Huntsville passed away on Wednesday, December 23, 2020.  He joined his predeceased wife, Wilma Geraldine Vaughan, on their 69 ^th anniversary.  He was the loving father of Stephen (Laurie), David (Marva), Robert (Lisa) and Bill, proud grandfather of eight, and great-grandfather of twelve.

Dr. Vaughan graduated from the University of Florida with honors in Mathematics and Physical Science.  He then obtained a graduate degree at Florida State University in Atmospheric Science and received his Ph.D degree in Engineering Science from the University of Tennessee.

During his career, Dr. Vaughan served as Captain in the U.S. Air Force, Chief of the Atmospheric Science and Aerospace Environment Divisions with NASA, and was a charter member of the Federal Senior Executive Service.  His responsibilities included the establishment and interpretation of aerospace environment requirements for the design and operation of space vehicles and spacecraft including Jupiter vehicles, Apollo-Saturn vehicle, Space Shuttle, National Aerospace Plane and the International Space Station.  He worked with Wernher Von Braun and worked on projects for notable astronauts such as Neil Armstrong and Buzz Aldrin.

Dr. Vaughan was the first Chairman of the American Institute of Aeronautics and Astronautics (AIAA) Standards Executive Council.  He achieved Fellow status with the American Meteorological Society (AMS) and AIAA.  He was a former member of the International Space Standards Organization and professional member of the American Geophysical Union, American Association for Advancement of Science, Standards Engineering Society and American Society of Mechanical Engineers.  He authored or co-authored more than 120 technical reports and journal articles.  He was also former Associate Editor of the Journal of Aerospace Technology and Management and is listed in Who's Who in the World and America.

After retiring from NASA, Dr. Vaughan became a NASA Emeritus, Director of the Research Institute as well as professor of atmospheric science at the University of Alabama in Huntsville.  Following his retirement from the University of Alabama, he enjoyed being senior docent at the U.S. Space and Rocket Center in Huntsville.

Some honorariums which Dr. Vaughan received include: Phi Kappa Phi (Scholastic honorary), Outstanding Performance Awards (NASA, Air Force, Army), NASA Exceptional Service Medal, American Institute of Aeronautics and Astronautics (AIAA) Excellence in Aerospace Standardization Award, AIAA Losey Atmospheric Sciences Award, AIAA Herman Oberth Award, AIAA Distinguished Service Award, and IES Maurice Simpson Technical Editors Award.

Despite all this, Dr. Vaughan made time for his family and friends.  He provided many opportunities, dreams and donated much of his time helping others.  Devotion and loyalty were just a few traits he possessed.  When his wife of 60 years went into a nursing home, he visited her twice a day for a year-and-a-half until the day she passed.  He was frugal with himself, but incredibly generous with others.  He never liked to complain, always strived to have a smile on his face and he lived life to the fullest.  He is fondly remembered by family and friends for his sense of humor, wisdom and work ethic.  A true example of charity, inspiration, loyalty and was always there to help relatives and friends.  His loss leaves a huge hole in the hearts of his family and anyone who was lucky enough to know him.

Due to the Covid-19 pandemic, a celebration of life service via livestream video will be held at Berryhill Funeral Homes website on Tuesday, December 29, 2020 at 1:00 P.M. A recording will be available on Berryhill Funeral Home's website for those unable to view the livestream service.  In lieu of flowers, the family requests donations be made to the Space and Rocket Center located in Huntsville, Alabama.