William Harrel Sullivan

William Harrel Sullivan 

1934-2023 

William “Bill” Sullivan, age 89, a resident of Belen, passed away on Nov. 22, 2023.  

He was born in Center Hill, Ark., on March 8, 1934, and spent the earlier years of his life in Searcy, Ark. Upon his graduation from high school, Bill entered the U.S. Air Force, where he spent four years as a radar operator.  

After his military discharge in 1956, he married Joyce Leighter and returned to his home state to attend the University of Arkansas, where he received his bachelor’s degree in electrical engineering. After moving to New Mexico, he was employed by Sandia Corporation. During his first two years at Sandia, he was in their TDP program and earned his master’s degree at the University of New Mexico.  

While employed at Sandia, Bill received the Karl Heinz Gyr and Heinrich Landis Commemorative Prize in 1971 by the British Institute Electrical Engineers. This was awarded for his contribution in the field of electrical measurements. He retired from Sandia in 1994.  

Bill and Joyce enjoyed many years touring in the U.S., Canada and Europe in their British Austin Healey with their British Car Club of America and in various antique cars with the VMCCA Touring Club. His most prevalent hobby was his passion for car restoration. He loved Austin Healeys most of all, and restored seven of them over the years, including a British Taxi.  

Bill is survived by his wife, Joyce; daughter, Lisa Sullivan; granddaughters, Stephany Trego and Thea Minifee; great-grandchildren, Gavin Sonnier, Demi Comeaux and Amari Minifee; many nieces and nephews; and cousin, Earl Blyeth. 

He is preceded in death by his son, John Sullivan, who passed away in 2014.  

A celebration of life will be held in March 2024 at the time of his 90th birthday. Arrangements will be announced at a later date.  

In lieu of flowers, the family would ask that donations be made to the American Cancer Society or organization of your choice.  

Arrangements are being handled by the caring professionals at the Noblin Funeral Service Belen Chapel, 418 W. Reinken Ave., 505-864-4448, where an online guest register is available at noblin.com.