Angela Powell
Bill worked at my grandparents store, Chilton's, in downtown Mobile and was considered part of my family until he retired and moved away. Bill was famous with us for his clownish antics and the tiaras and magic wands he would make for my sister and I when we were young children and visiting at the store.
Bill kept us entertained wiggling his ears, "taking our nose" and making impressive throat noises thumping out a rhythm. Bill left for lunch every day to make a PBJ and we were always glad to see him come back after lunch.
He had a switch above the light at his work station in case we bugged him too much or misbehaved, but the switch was just for show as anything and we would shriek down the hall if he reached for it if we were being worrisome or misbehaving.
We loved being around Bill as I think most everyone did. He was part of the family and thought highly of in Mobile.
I have a beautiful Wedgewood medallion he framed for me as a wedding gift that I treasure and I think of him often seeing the gift. I was happy to hear that Bill had found a companion late in life and had married in his last years. My own father died a year or so before Bill and I don't think I knew Bill had passed away until I heard a Kieth Urban song on line that made me think of Bill and I searched Bill's name to send a card.
I hope the family will get a notice of this tribute. I don't have an address to send a card, but you have my condolences. I am so sorry for your loss. Angela M. Powell. Mobile, Alabama