1943
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.
Sponsored by Hill Funeral Home.
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.
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