Virgil Williams, former Upjohn Company chief pilot and director of aviation, recently published his first book that chronicles his lifelong career in aviation.

Titled “Come Fly with Me,” the 364-page book provides insights about Williams’ life from his humble beginnings in Oklahoma to his retirement volunteering as airport manager at the Plainwell Municipal Airport and helping to start an aviation school for underprivileged youth.

All proceeds from the sale of the book benefit the Virgil & Maurine Williams Family Endowed Scholarship at the Western Michigan University College of Aviation.

The book has 151 small chapters, each telling a story chronologically through Williams’ life. Thirty pages of the book feature a “Photo Gallery” with nearly 70 photos spanning 75 years. The photos include poses with celebrities such as Jack Nicklaus, Arnold Palmer, Kenny Rogers, and Chi Chi Rodriguez.

Williams has flown celebrities like Jack Nicklaus, Julio Eglesias, Enrique Eglesias, and Eleanor Roosevelt. He has also met Walt Disney and George Gobel as a result of flying.

Excerpt from the book:

“I loved what I was doing so I never worked a day in my life! I hope you find something equally enjoyable to do in your lifetime…”

WMU alumnus and Walt Disney researcher/author Christopher W. Tremblay designed the cover of the book, formatted the layout/ design and coached Williams since this was Williams’ first book.

About the author

Williams graduated from Oklahoma State University. At the 1953 NIFA annual air meet in Minneapolis, he placed 1st and 2nd in numerous events and was awarded the “Outstanding Male Pilot” trophy.

Williams’ 35-year professional career was spent at The Upjohn Company as chief pilot and director of aviation, engaging in global operations.

Upjohn began an internship program for WMU aviation students, which continued until the Pfizer merger. Williams served on the Citation advisory aboard during construction of Citation III and X. From 1986-94, Williams served on the NBAA Board of Directors and upon retirement from NBAA, was asked by the head of Michigan Aeronautics to help form the MBAA. This was accomplished by working with directors of aviation from General Motors, Ford and Chrysler.

The Virgil and Maurine Williams Family Aviation Endowed Scholarship was established at the WMU College of Aviation in December of 2008 and has provided support for a countless number of students over the years. It was established to acknowledge Williams’ outstanding career in aviation and recognize the three generations of pilots in the Williams family. During his retirement, Williams volunteers as the Plainwell Airport manager. He helped found the Plainwell Aviation STEM Academy, a non-profit organization that introduces aviation to underprivileged children, many who continue on at WMU.

Williams is a recipient of the prestigious Wright Brothers “Master Pilot” Award from the Federal Aviation Administration in recognition of 50 years of safe flying. Virgil’s three children and grandson also soloed at age 16.