William Barnard Thagard, age 55, of Jacksonville, Florida, passed away on Monday, January 29, 2024, in Dumaguete City, Philippines. He was born in Jacksonville on February 19, 1968, to Charlotte Florence (Young) and Norman Cary Thagard, Jr. William was a fun-loving and adventurous son, brother, nephew, and friend. He proudly served in the United States Army as a career Apache Pilot and Instructor. He was a Chief  Warrant Officer 4 and recipient of the Iraq Campaign Medal, Bronze Star, Air Medal, and National Defense. William aided in the defense of Kuwait / Iraq. He was of Christian faith with a great sense of humor. He enjoyed fishing, karaoke, trivia, and playing the guitar and drums. Williams loved to travel and had lived in Alabama, North Carolina, Colorado, Texas, Korea, Germany, Iraq, and the Philippines. William is preceded in death by his parents and brother Robert Cary Thagard. He is survived by his brother, Norman Joe Thagard and sister-in-law, Janice of Jacksonville. A Graveside Service for Mr. Thagard will be held at 11:30 a.m. on Thursday, March 21, 2024, at Jacksonville National Cemetery (Lane 3), 4083 Lannie Road, Jacksonville, Florida 32218. In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to the K9 for Warriors at www.k9forwarriors.org. Arrangements entrusted to the dedicated care of BLACKBURN-CURRY FUNERAL & CREMATION, 380 N. Lowder Street, Macclenny, Florida 32063. (904) 259-2806. Please share your condolences with the Thagard family online at www.blackburncurryfh.com.