William "Bill" Edward Priest, cherished son, brother, father and friend, from Tipp City, Ohio, passed away peacefully on November 19, 2024, in Dayton, Ohio, at the age of 84. He was born on June 6, 1940, in Springfield, Ohio the son of Warren Kay & Ruth Ann (Augustus) Priest. Bill was a man of many talents and passions, leaving a lasting impact on all who knew him. Bill grew up with his mother Ruth and 2 sisters Kay and Sue. Their father Warren was a military man, often leaving the children at home with their mother or in boarding school at the Ohio Masonic Home. His education and love of sports proliferated in Springfield Ohio until graduation and then moved to Illinois where he met his future wife. Together they moved back to Springfield, Ohio to begin to build a family of four children and jumpstart a new career with A.O. Smith Corp. of Tipp City, Ohio where he retired in 2003 after 37 years of highly celebrated management positions.

Bill had a passion for acting and music. He participated in church plays, vacation bible school, and the Christian dinner theater. In fact, Bill loved even the old hymns and is known to sing to just about every classic rock-n-roll song on the radio with great enthusiasm. This was always sure to put him in his "happy place". An avid shopper, Bill had an eye for style and a special knack for finding that perfect gift for loved ones. His sense of humor was legendary which was sure to bring joy to every gathering. Bill was a jock and devoted sports enthusiast, often found cheering for his favorite teams with unyielding enthusiasm. His love for sports, especially football and baseball, started when he was a kid, when he dreamed of becoming a famous baseball player. His competitive nature shined through in all sports, including golf and softball, but the real tenacity came out at the card table or playing board games and really, just about everything Bill would do. He would constantly strive to be and do his best. His drive for competition was matched only by his dedication to his faith, which guided him throughout his life. A man of deep spirituality, Bill found joy in helping others, always ready with a kind word or a helping hand. He also loved children, and they loved him too. His generosity and thoughtfulness were hallmarks of his character, endearing him to all who had the pleasure of knowing him. He always said, "I want to leave this life with nothing and help people while I'm still here". He did just that. He helped many people, friends and family, and because of this, in the end, he had very little for himself.

He is survived by his family: children Linda S McCarty, Connie K McEowen, Wendy A Mills and William W Priest; grandchildren Stephanie (Jonathan) Rose, Shannon (Todd) Edwards, Nate (Erin) Mills, Amanda (Josh) Ritchie, Alicia Mills, and Danielle (RC) Betz; great-grandchildren Chasidy, Mason and Joel Rose, Chandler and Ethan Mills, Katlynne & Brylee Edwards, Josiah, Anna & Avonlea Ritchie, Blake, Brooklynn and Benjamin Betz; special nephew Steve (Jill) Tincher and family.

He was preceded in death by his parents and sisters Sue Tincher and Kay McClintock. Bill's passing leaves a void in the hearts of his loved ones, and all who knew him, but his memory will live on through the stories and laughter he shared. As we remember Bill, we celebrate a life well-lived, full of love, laughter, and a competitive spirit that never waned.

Following his wishes, Bill and family would like to welcome all of you to a Grand Celebration of Life Ceremony, after all, as he always said, "You're talking about the man I love", so let's talk! Save the tentative date of June 7, 2025, the day after Bill's 85th birthday. Further details on this celebration will be sent. Bill will be buried at New Carlisle Cemetery in a private family ceremony. Memorial contributions may be made through the GoFundMe page for all donations at

https://www.gofundme.com/f/celebrate-william-priests-life-and-legacy

We love you and thank you for your generosity!