Bill Douglas

William A. Douglas didn't need expensive things, a fancy car, or a big house in order to be happy. He had learned to find contentment in the simple things in life. A bird song, a hug from a grandchild, and a job well done were enough to satisfy him. He had a seriousness about him that earned him respect, yet his genuinely sweet nature encouraged others to trust and appreciate him.

The 1930s was a time of economic struggle throughout the world following the stock market crash of 1929. In 1932, Franklin D. Roosevelt was the man that the American people selected to help them through it. In 1936, Wilson and Eve (Wellington) Douglas were thrilled to learn that they were expecting their first child, and on November 25, just after FDR's reelection, they held their beautiful baby boy William for the first time. Little Bill grew up learning about hard work and sacrifice as he watched his parents manage their service station, Wilson's Tire Service in Paw Paw, and helped out in the restaurant where his mom worked. Times were tough during his early years as the Great Depression dragged on and just after Bill's fifth birthday he heard the grown-ups talking about the attack on the U.S. Naval base at Pearl Harbor, Hawaii. As the Douglas family grew, Bill took on added responsibilities as the oldest in a family of five children.

Bill attended Paw Paw High School and was an important contributor to his baseball team. After the tenth grade, he felt an itching for something more. Despite the fact that the Korean War was in full swing, he decided the Army offered a shot at excitement and he enlisted, lying about his age since he was only sixteen at the time. Although many aspects of military life didn't suit him, he did learn how to lay bricks, a skill that ended up serving him well for the rest of his life.

When Bill returned to Paw Paw, he found work as a mason. He built many locations in town and the surrounding areas, working at his trade for more than forty-five years. Quality of workmanship was very important to him. He was meticulous about his work, both professionally and around his own home, making sure everything was level and spotless. His careful habits transferred to his personal appearance, as well, and he was quite particular about his wavy hair.

Bill was raised with an appreciation for the out-of-doors and loved early mornings, finding peace and renewal in the sounds of nature. He enjoyed the changing seasons, reveling in Michigan's beautiful transformations, and had favorite outdoor activities all year long. The fall found him hunting deer, rabbit, and pheasant, and he liked ice fishing in the winter. He was skilled at cooking what he caught. The spring brought the birds back, and Bill enjoyed watching them at his feeder from his chair inside. He could tell which birds were nearby from their songs. He was partial to Baltimore Orioles and hummingbirds. Sometimes he got so annoyed with pesky squirrels that he was known to chase them. Summer gave him a chance to exercise his green thumb and everyone looked forward to big, juicy tomatoes from his large garden.

Bill took his responsibilities seriously and as he married and raised several children, he passed on his own strengths and positive traits to his kids. His example taught them that hard work was important and he expected them to be home on time at night and to wake up early in the morning. When grandchildren began arriving, he adored each one and always looked forward to their visits.

In the 1980s, Bill agreed to a blind date with a woman named Olie Barnett. The two of them hit it off quickly, and Olie appreciated Bill's quiet thoughtfulness. On March 8, 1986, they were married in her home. She grew almost as fond of his Poodle, Little Bit, as he was, and of his apple pie that Bill liked to bake. They enjoyed old movies and television shows together on TV Land and Olie didn't mind his indulgence in purchasing lottery tickets. He had his own method for scratching them off, always in private, and was once rewarded with a thousand dollar winner.

Bill leaves his loved ones with the assurance that he cared deeply for them and wanted them to become good, responsible people. Bill demonstrated that it is possible to find contentment in the little things and helped guide others toward the same kind of satisfaction. His no-nonsense work ethic, his appreciation of the beauty of nature, and his thoughtfulness and affection will serve as an example for years to come.

Bill died at his home on Friday, September 29, 2006. Surviving are his wife, Olie Douglas; twelve children: Jimmy Lee, Janie, Helen, Terri, John Paul, Vickie, Julie, Charlie, Sherry, Billy, Jackie, and Anna; many grandchildren and great-grandchildren; and four siblings: Bonnie, Ron, Jim and Karen.

Learn more about Bill, view his Life Story Film, and visit with his family and friends on Wednesday, October 4, from 11:00 a.m. until the memorial service begins at 1:00 p.m. at the Life Story Funeral Home, Betzler & Thompson, 60900 M-40, Paw Paw. Cremation will follow. Memorial contributions may be made to the family. Please visit Bill's personal memory page at www.lifestorynet.com where you may share a favorite memory or photo or sign the online guest register.