Bill Williams

William “Bill” Charles Williams, 91, of Bucyrus, passed peacefully on Friday, January 24, 2025 at Avita Health System in Bucyrus, where he was surrounded by many who loved and admired him. 

Bill was born August 17, 1933 in Glasgow, Kentucky to the late Howard W. Williams and Mary (Hart) Williams who tragically died during his birth. He was also preceded in death by his stepmother, Eleanor (Snavely) Williams, who played a large role in his upbringing. Their family moved to Bucyrus and Bill graduated from Bucyrus High School in 1952. Following high school, he enlisted with the Army, serving in a tank division and was stationed in Germany.

Bill was a naturally gifted athlete and during his high school years, he excelled in basketball, baseball, football and track. He won many awards and was probably most proud of being named the NOL MVP during one of his years on the basketball court. Even after high school his love of sports continued as he excelled at fast pitch softball, bowling and very much enjoyed the game of golf. 

On September 7, 1956, he married Ruth Elaine Steiger, who he met in school, and she survives. Bill worked for the United Telephone Company for 45 years before retiring as Supervisor at the age of 58. In addition to Bill’s love of playing sports, was watching those he loved to participate in theirs. From T-ball to college football and all sports in between, if any of his grandchildren or great grandchildren were in action, he was there cheering them on. 

Bill will be remembered as a wonderful man who was friendly to all. He worked hard and was willing to help anyone with anything. He enjoyed volunteering at the Bucyrus Elementary School where he read to students and in his pastime, he enjoyed woodworking, handcrafting many bird houses, which became gifts for family and friends. Bill and Ruth enjoyed dancing in their earlier years, and they shared many car rides, simply driving around the area. He was a member of the American Legion where he enjoyed breakfast as well as socializing with friends and forged many friendships through the Wednesday travel golf league.

Bill is survived by his wife of 68 years, Ruth Williams; children, Kim Binnix, Wendy (Steve) Ash, Steve (Denise Graham) Williams, and Shan (Ken) Ehrman; grandchildren, Steve Binnix and fiancé, Damaris, Joe (Abbi) Binnix, Jeff Binnix, Martin (Brandy) Ash, Mark Williams and fiancé, Bridget Johnson, Scott (Whitney) Ehrman, Staci Peak, Lindsey (Scott) McCarron, Alondra (Bryant) Simmons, Annie Ash, Stephen (Lisa) Ash, and Shannon Graham; great grandchildren, Madden, Knox, Mila, Madisyn, Kennedy, Itzel, A.J., Sammy, Oliver, Selena, Maude, Isla, Gianna, Lily, Landen, Oliver and Kaliah.

Bill was preceded in death by his granddaughter, Stevie Williams, son-in-law, Jack Binnix; father and mother-in-law, Willis and Helen Steiger and sister-in-law, Wilma Guggenmos. 

A celebration of life gathering will be held from 5 – 7 pm Friday, January 31 at Wise Funeral Service. Bill will be privately inurned in Oakwood Cemetery with military rites provided by the Army Honor Guard and the Bucyrus Veterans Military Funeral Detail.

If desired, donations can be made payable to The Golf Club of Bucyrus (please note in the donation that it is going towards the Junior Camp) or Bucyrus City Schools Libraries and will be accepted through the funeral home. Expressions of sympathy are encouraged to be shared on his guestbook page at www.wisefuneral.com.