William George Williby Obituary (2015)

William George Williby, age 91 of Blair, died June 15, 2015 at Memorial Community Hospital in Blair. Funeral services will be held Saturday June 20, 2015 at 10:00AM at First United Methodist Church in Blair. Military graveside services will follow the funeral in the Blair Cemetery. Visitation will be held Friday beginning at 4:00PM with family receiving friends from 6:00 to 8:00PM at Campbell Aman Funeral Home. William George Williby was born on August 27, 1923 in Royal, Nebraska to James William and Bertha Christine (Nielsen) Williby. In the early 1940’s William played legion baseball wherever he could find a game, often in Tilden, Clearwater, Neilgh, Orchard and Plainview, Nebraska. He would hitchhike, on highway 20, in his uniform to get a ride to the games. He graduated from Royal High School on May 14, 1942. After graduation he moved to Blair with his parents. William joined the United States Army Air Corps on February 24, 1943. He was stationed in England as a switchboard operator from May 9, 1943 to June 15, 1945. On November 16, 1947 he was united in marriage to Lena Mae Sheets at the Methodist Church in Blair. Bill worked in Blair for over 60 years as a meat cutter. He was employed with Mac’s IGA, Town & Country Market and Carlsen Drefs until the age of 86. Bill was The Best Grandpa Ever, and loved watching his grandchildren and great grandchildren participate in sports. He also enjoyed dancing, bowling and playing cards. Bill was a true people person and enjoyed visiting with anyone. Bill coached The Girls Fairway Softball Team from 1968-1978 as they played softball across the US from California to Florida; Minnesota to Texas. He was a 75 year member of the Blair First United Methodist Church, member of the Blair VFW Post #1251, Color Guard, Firing Squad and The Blair American Legion. Mr. Williby is survived by his daughters; Marcia (Chuck) Hall and Mary (Jon) Stewart of Blair, grandchildren; Marla (R.J.) Ryan, Jon Stewart (Alison Lorenzen), Greg Stewart, Jessica Hall (Eric Beaty), and Jacquelyn (Ryan) Fischer all of Blair, great grandchildren; Taylor Stewart, Jason Stewart, Cole Ryan, Grant Ryan, William Fischer, Rhett Fischer, and Braxson Beaty; sister Lois Backman, sister in law Fae Williby, brother in law Clarence (Helen) Sheets, brother in law Bob (Connie) Sheets, sister in law Susie (Russ) Christensen, sister in law Bernice Sheets all of Blair, sister in law Nila Haggard of Cincinnati, Ohio, cousins Doug Nielsen of Omaha and Tom Walsh of Lincoln, and several nieces and nephews, and many friends. He was preceded in death by his parents James and Bertha Williby, wife Lena Mae Williby, brothers; Herbert, James, Lyle, and Glen, sisters; Alice Hibbs, Marveline Eggsen, Delores Smith, Jeannine Williby and several nieces and nephews. Memorials may be directed to First United Methodist Church in Blair or directly to the family for later distribution.