Bill, as he was known to everyone, was raised on his treasured family farm in Darke County. After graduating from Gettysburg High School, he served two years as a Navy Seabee. He went on to graduate with a B.S. from Baylor University in (1957). Following his graduation, he was employed by the New Madison School District as a Business Teacher and was an active member of the Western Ohio Education Association defending teacher rights. In 1965, he was hired as a Lobbyist for the Ohio Education Association and later, promoted to the Director of Field Services/UniServ. In 1978, he was employed as the Executive Director for the Illinois Education Association and returned to Ohio in 1980 to do Financial Consulting. Through all of these work experiences, he maintained his love of managing the farms in Darke, Logan and Hardin Counties.
He was the “go to” person for so many people from all walks of life. He always had time to listen to others’ concerns and to guide them in the right direction – no matter how busy he was. Bill possessed the unique ability of showing people how to set and attain goals to better themselves and their families. It seemed to be as much of a thrill for Bill as it was for the other person when they would tell him that as a result of following his advice, they had reached their goals. He could take a seemingly complex problem and compare that to a farm situation that would make the solution process seem very simplified. He consulted with many farm families over the years, sharing his knowledge of business procedures and farm life - always emphasizing the importance of keeping the family farm solvent and maintaining a high work ethic.
Some of Bill’s fondest times were spent with his wife and family enjoying their cabin in Idaho and their love of snowmobiling. He particularly cherished spending a day in Yellowstone National Park and loved being a host and travel guide to their many friends and family who visited them over the years.
Visiting hours will be 2-4 PM and 7-9 PM on Tuesday, December 14, 2010 at Zechar Bailey Funeral Home, 1499 N. Broadway, Greenville, Ohio. Services will be on Wednesday, December 15, 2010 at 10 am at St. Paul’s Episcopal Church 201 N. Broadway, Greenville, Ohio with viewing one hour prior beginning at 9am. In lieu of flowers, Brain Tumor and Neuro Oncology Program of UH c/o Rebecca Kahl, Hanna House #514, 11100 Euclid Avenue, Cleveland, Ohio 44106-9834. Condolences to the family may be sent to www.zecharbailey.com.
