I was the ring-bearer at his wedding to Aunt Bonnie (also no longer with us) in the early 1960s. My earliest memories of him went back to his high school days, where he would come over a few days a week after classes and visit us. The school--his and later mine-- is probably just a mile from our house, so we saw him frequently.
Every time I see that old photo of me standing over the phonograph (one of these days I want to post that) as young boy, I think of Uncle Billy and the records he brought over--one was the Dell-Vikings' "Come Go With Me," which is still a big favorite.
I remember that he worked for the county--Macomb County, infamously referred to as "McComb County" by Rolling Stone in a '70s article that reported on some litigation concerning Bob Seger.
At Bill and Bonnie's wedding reception (where I had, let's say, a stomach reaction to raiding the candy bowl full of Three Muskateers bars a few too many times), I recall being thrilled by hanging out in a lively atmosphere with so many relatives and friends. As we got to know Bonnie, there were many family get-togethers and as I got to love records more and more, there was Buddy Holly & the Crickets' "That'll Be the Day" 45rpm record in what I remember as being part of her collection. Bonnie had a laugh that was probably even more infectious than his.
I really have Uncle Bill to thank for being one of the earliest family members into music,
someone who influenced me with his good taste and his most friendly attitude. He was a wonderful father as well; he will be so missed. I sure do grieve for Bill and Bonnie's children, Ken, Suzette, Julia and Brent--there was another son, Keith, who is no longer with us. They sure have been good to my family and myself. I'm probably thinking too much of my own sadness, because all three of my mother's siblings are now gone, as well as Mom.
Uncle Bill is one of those people I will forever owe for helping me develop my love of music, and for always being there with his delightful approach to life. He was a wonderful father and family man and will be so missed.