Bixby World War II Vet Receives High School Diploma At 85

An Oklahoma veteran Thursday finished a journey he started nearly 70 years ago.

Bill Tinsley was just 16 years old when he left high school and enlisted in the Navy to fight in World War II. Now, at the age of 85, Tinsley is completing his lifelong dream of receiving his high school diploma.

Bixby High School held a special assembly Thursday for the now retired minister, who was just 18 went the war ended.

He said, after returning home, he didn't have the money to go back and get his education, so he went off to the city to find a job.

"When you get married and have children and that responsibility, it becomes harder to do those things," Tinsley said. "I just kinda wanted to fulfill my lifelong dream."

Tinsley began studying for his GED when he learned of the Diplomas for Veterans program. He said, although its official now, he still plans to continue taking classes to further his education.

He said part of his motivation to get his degree is to encourage one of his grandsons to go back and get his GED.