William Gene Larkins was born on Feb. 20, 1936, to William Sr. and Claire Larkins. He grew up in Ruskin, where he worked for farmers at a young age helping with chores and doing field work to earn spending money that he used to buy candy, and later to purchase his first car. He graduated from Ruskin High School where he enjoyed playing football.

Right after graduation, he signed up for the United States draft, and was soon enlisted to serve in the U. S Army during the Korean War as a helicopter pilot. He later served in the Vietnam War conflict.

Before leaving for boot camp, he was married to...