Bill was always willing to help out others

Bill, born in Portadown on October 3, 1949, grew up in Killicomaine with his loving mother, father and three sisters April, Alma and Elaine.

He is survived by April and Elaine.

Bill attended Edenderry primary School, Portadown Technical College, followed by Belfast Technical College.

Growing up Bill was a keen member of 1st Portadown Boys Brigade at Thomas St Methodist Church.

He was a keen sportsman and enjoyed playing football and rugby, and in more recent days enjoyed attending Ulster rugby matches with his nephew John.

Bill, like his father, was a keen angler and nature lover.

His career was spent working as a civil engineer for the Water Service and since retirement he developed a keen interest in antiques and silverware.

Bill married Ruth Willis on November 26, 1977 at Seapatrick Parish Holy Trinity Church, Banbridge.

They moved to Tullylish and had four daughters; Susan, Jayne, Gillian and Helen. He was a loving and devoted father to his four girls.

Some of his happiest times were spent holidaying with extended family and he had a particular fondness for both Kearney Point and Cranfield.

Bill was very family orientated and loved being a grandfather to Lucy, James and Archie.

He enjoyed taking them swimming, on long walks where he taught them about nature and taking them fishing to Greencastle.

He enjoyed a special bond with his sons-in-law Jason, Emmet and Shaki and loved spending time with them.

Throughout his life Bill’s kindness and generosity shone through; always giving and supporting others.

Some of his friends knew him as ‘Silver Bill’, but he truly had a heart of gold.

He was a man always willing to help, with a non-judgemental attitude.

The only thing bigger than his heart is the influence he had had on everyone he met. His love will continue to beam on each of them and he will be greatly missed, but never forgotten.

Bill died peacefully on April 19 in Belfast City Hospital, surrounded by his girls, after a short but brave battle against leukaemia.

The private burial service was conducted by the Reverend Brian Cruise.

Due to the current Covid-19 situation a memorial service is planned when restrictions are lifted.

Donations in lieu of flowers may be made to the Anthony Nolan Trust via William Bell & Co Funeral Directors, 23 Kenlis Street, Banbridge, BT32 3LR.