Bill’s life began March 29, 1945, in Benton Harbor, Michigan. Bill grew up in Benton Harbor where he attended high school until he was old enough to enlist in the United States Marine Corp. Bill proudly served his country for four years. Upon returning home he earned a degree in social work from Southwest College.
Bill worked for many years as an inspector at various factories including Bosch, Whirlpool, and he retired from Leco. He also worked in the maintenance department for the City of St. Joseph. Bill was a member of the Coloma Rod and Gun Club and enjoyed fishing, shopping, trying his luck at the casino in his spare time, and attending auctions on Saturdays with his granddaughter Emma.
Family was important to Bill and he leaves behind a loving family to cherish his memory including: his wife Peggy Williams; children Dan Higgins, Jamie Powers, and Robert (Cristal) Spencer; five grandchildren, Emma Ernst, Thomas Spencer, Stephen Spencer, Michael Spencer, and Matthew Spencer; two sisters, Diana (Ramon) DeWitt and Barbara (Phillip Jr.) McKie; four nephews and a niece, Raymond DeWitt III, James DeWitt, Dawn McKie (Billy Mitchell) and Phillip McKie III; a great nephew, Jaxson McKie; an aunt and many cousins.
Bill died Saturday, April 29, 2023, at home surrounded by family.
He is preceded in death by his parents, James and Alice (Garland) Williams; a grandson, Robert Ernst V; and a wife, Susie Williams.
Bill’s family will celebrate his life Thursday, May 4, 2023 at 5 p.m. with visitation prior beginning at 3 p.m. at Hutchins Funeral Home in Watervliet. Following cremation Bill will be buried in Hamilton Cemetery on Tuesday, May 9, at 11 a.m.
Donations may be made in Bill’s memory to Ann Arbor VA Fisher House. You are invited to leave a message of comfort for Bill’s family at hutchinsfuneral.com.
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