William Theodore Rachui

William T. Rachui (Bill) passed away at the age of 96 in Trellis Supportive Care on December 5, 2018. He was born in Marlin, Texas, son of German immigrant parents, John and Hattie Rachui on March 14, 1922. He married the love of his life, Eva Gaskamp Rachui in 1945, who preceded him in death in 2013. Along with his parents, he was also preceded in death by his sister, Elsie R. Zost; brother, Fred Rachui; and son-in-law, Al Priest.

He enlisted in the U.S. Army in August 1940, being assigned to the 5th Calvary (horse unit). He then applied for reassignment to the First Special Service Force, a top secret special operations unit made up of Canadian and American volunteers. The FSSF fought in campaigns in the Aleutian Islands; the mountains of central Italy; Anzio, Italy; the liberation of Rome; and the invasion of Southern France. The FSSF was disbanded in December of 1944 and Bill transferred to the 474th Infantry Regiment (airborne) fighting in the Rhineland campaign and then going to Norway. After discharge, he chose to re-enlist; serving with the 10th SFG, 7th SFG and 5th SFG with tours of duty in France, Germany, Korea and Laos. He retired a Major in August 1966.

The FSSF WWII contribution was recognized in 2015 by the U.S. Congress with a Congressional Gold Metal. In 2016 the government of Norway awarded him their Defense Medal for his contribution to the Norwegian independence from German forces.  Then in 2017 France awarded him their Legion of Merit medal for the same reason.

In 1967 he relocated to Winston Salem, NC to take a job as a district executive with the Boy Scouts of America for their Old Hickory Council. While with them he was also the director of Camp Raven Knob. In 1968 he and his wife became charter members of Oak Forest United Methodist Church in Midway, N.C. where he remained a member for 50 years. In 1986 he retired from the BSA. For several years he bought, refinished and sold antique furniture at various locations in Virginia, N.C., and S.C. before relocating to Balsam in the mountains of western NC. He and his wife ran an antique shop in Waynesville, NC until 2002. They then permanently retired to King, NC.

Bill is survived by his son David Rachui (Mary) of Mooresville, daughters Bobbye Priest of Tobaccoville and Cathy Rachui of Midway; grandson Chris Fenimore (Alissa) of Weaverville, granddaughter Jennifer Priest Wakefield (Chris) of Tobaccoville; great grandchildren Paige Wakefield, Noah and Elias Fenimore and a special niece, Diane McEachern (Bob) of Waco, TX.

A celebration of life service is planned for Sunday, December 16, 2018 at 2:00pm at Oak Forest United Methodist Church, 11461 Old Hwy 52, Winston-Salem, NC 27107

The family wishes to thank the staff of Novant Health Forsyth and Trellis Supportive Care staff for their care of Bill. In lieu of flowers, memorials can be made to Trellis Supportive Care of Winston-Salem or Oak Forest United Methodist Church in Midway.

Davidson Funeral Home, Hickory Tree Chapel is serving the Family.

Online condolences may be made at www.davidsonfuneralhome.com