William David Atwill, 81, of Springfield passed away surrounded by his loving children on Wednesday, November 30, 2011 at Cox Hospital. He was born August 10, 1930 in Springfield, MO. He was the son of William Everett and Maud Martha Jarvis Atwill. William graduated from Central High School and Drury University. Following graduation, he joined the U.S. Naval Air Force and graduated from Officer Candidate School. After receiving his commission, he became electronics officer of a patrol squadron of aircraft. Following four years in the Navy, William entered the private sector and became an accomplished physicist working with the early development of lasers, and in the field of microwave technology. William was preceded in death by his parents, three sisters Lena Beaujean, Louise Cantrell, and Geneva Bowman, and a brother John. He is survived by his son David Bryan, and two daughters, Dr. Janet M. Atwill, and Mary Rose Hoff, and two grandchildren, Peter Nathan Foltz and Amanda Rose Hoff. Online condolences may be left at www.gormanscharpf.com.