William Ralph Detrick

1943 - 2018

William Ralph Detrick obituary, 1943-2018, Grand Blanc, MI

BORN

1943

DIED

2018

FUNERAL HOME

Hill Funeral Home

11723 South Saginaw Street

Grand Blanc, Michigan

William Detrick Obituary

Published by Legacy Remembers on Jan. 8, 2018.

DETRICK, William "Bill" Ralph – age 74, passed away on January 7, 2018 in Grand Blanc, Michigan. Bill was born on January 24, 1943 in Beaver Falls, Pennsylvania to the late Kenneth and Beatrice Detrick. Bill was an extremely generous, loving, caring, humorously sly man with a tough no-nonsense exterior that many took pleasure in cracking. Fondly, he was referred to as Deke, typically preceded by a Papa or an Uncle. Bill loved children, and none more than his three grandsons, whose fingers he was wrapped around. Bill enjoyed reading in his spare time. A fan of westerns and mysteries, a book was never far from his reach. Bill had a creative side some may not have witnessed, but he had a precise eye for detail. His talent in wood working and painting resulted in hand made pieces, some still found around his home today. Bill's love for the outdoors resulted in a well-maintained lawn and beautiful landscaping, no matter the season, from spring buds to the dazzle of Christmas lights, he took great pride and pleasure working in his yard. Bill was a Marine (1962-1966), who proudly served his country as a helicopter combat air crew chief during the Vietnam War. He graduated from Northrop Institute of Technology with a degree in Aircraft Maintenance Engineering, which led him to work for GM for over 30 years. Bill was a wonderful man that will be deeply missed. He is survived by his wife, Diana; children: William "Bill" Matthew (Sheri) Detrick, Michael Cullen (Stacey) Detrick, Jennifer Elizabeth Detrick; grandchildren: Cullen Matthew Detrick, Evan Michael Detrick, William "Liam" Vincent Detrick; sister, Barbara (Neal) Mann; and his pup, Maggie. Bill loved and cherished the friendship of his family which also included his sisters and brothers in-law, all his nieces and nephews, and so on into the next generation. Per the family's wishes, cremation has taken place.

To plant trees in memory, please visit the Sympathy Store.

Memories and Condolences
for William Detrick

Sponsored by Hill Funeral Home.

What is your first memory of William?

Share a favorite memory you have of William.

Tell us about a special moment you shared with William.

Describe a time when William made you laugh or smile.

What is something you will always remember about William?

Talk about a shared experience you had with William.

What is something you did together that you enjoyed?

Describe a place or activity that reminds you of William.

Tell us about a personal story or anecdote involving William.

What is something you learned from William?

Not sure what to say?

1 Entry

January 10, 2018

Michelle Candella

May your family find peace and happiness in your memories. I am so sorry for your loss. I know he was an amazing man.

Showing 1 - 1 of 1 results

Make a Donation
in William Detrick's name

Memorial Events
for William Detrick

To offer your sympathy during this difficult time, you can now have memorial trees planted in a National Forest in memory of your loved one.

Funeral services provided by:

Hill Funeral Home

11723 South Saginaw Street, Grand Blanc, MI 48439

How to support William's loved ones
Commemorate a cherished Veteran with a special tribute of Taps at the National WWI Memorial in Washington, D.C.

The nightly ceremony in Washington, D.C. will be dedicated in honor of your loved one on the day of your choosing.

Read more
Attending a Funeral: What to Know

You have funeral questions, we have answers.

Read more
Should I Send Sympathy Flowers?

What kind of arrangement is appropriate, where should you send it, and when should you send an alternative?

Read more
What Should I Write in a Sympathy Card?

We'll help you find the right words to comfort your family member or loved one during this difficult time.

Read more
Resources to help you cope with loss
How to Write an Obituary

Need help writing an obituary? Here's a step-by-step guide...

Read more
Estate Settlement Guide

If you’re in charge of handling the affairs for a recently deceased loved one, this guide offers a helpful checklist.

Read more
Obituaries, grief & privacy: Legacy’s news editor on NPR podcast

Legacy's Linnea Crowther discusses how families talk about causes of death in the obituaries they write.

Read more
The Five Stages of Grief

They're not a map to follow, but simply a description of what people commonly feel.

Read more
Ways to honor William Detrick's life and legacy
How to Write an Obituary

Need help writing an obituary? Here's a step-by-step guide...

Read more
Obituary Templates

These free blank templates make writing an obituary faster and easier.

Read more
Obituary Examples

You may find these well-written obituary examples helpful as you write about your own family.

Read more
How Do I Write a Eulogy?

Some basic help and starters when you have to write a tribute to someone you love.

Read more