William Bleiler

Our world sadly, will continue with one less person who, throughout his life, made it a better place. William (Bill) Richard Bleiler, beloved husband, father, grandfather, great grandfather, mentor and friend to so many passed away suddenly at his home on November 23, 2023.

Bill was born Connecticut on March 3, 1941, and raised in St Petersburg Florida. He started his electrical apprenticeship under the wing of his mentor Bill Urtz in the late 1960's with L. E. Myers and was a proud union member of the I. B. E. W for almost 6 decades, and a lifetime member of the Amvets Post 90 in Decatur TN. Bill was a strong, hardworking lineman and gained the nickname Magilla Gorilla during his career in Sarasota Florida. He moved his family to Decatur Tennessee area in the mid 70's to work at the building of Watts Bar Nuclear. Bill retired from a successful career with TVA in 2003.

Bill's daily interactions with people demonstrated his ability to help those who were willing to listen. For people that did heed his advice, he would do his best to teach and help however he could. Many people were lucky and learned during their friendship to pay attention to his actions and words. Some of those friendships grew into much more and he became a beloved brother. The emptiness now felt leaves a loss that hurts like no other. Thank you, Bill, from the bottom of our hearts, for sharing your life with us.

Bill is preceded by his loving wife, soulmate and best friend Rose Bleiler and Daughter Wendie Bleiler Fox. Left behind with fond and loving memories is his loving companion Veda Sue Morgan, daughters Lynn A. Camp (Allen) of Decatur, TN, Donna R. Shrum of Dayton, TN and Kelli R. Martinez (Ruben) of Decatur, TN; grandchildren Jessica Camp, Danielle Camp, Kacey Couch (Cody) and Kyle Wyrick of Decatur, TN; Dakota Whitmire and Maisie Mason (Jeff) of Dayton, TN; Chase Bleiler of Sarasota, FL; and Anthony Robles Martinez (Meagan) of Alhambra, CA; great grandchildren Skylur, Brantley, AJ and Leia. Bill had a special child, not his own but adopted in heart Jackie Henley (Julie) Decatur, Tn. And his best friend, his ride or die and brother at heart Joe Wynn (Mary) Sarasota, Fl. Many many more friends not listed.

At his request there will not be a formal service or burial. The family will have a celebration of life party for Bill on Sunday December 3, 2023, at 3:00 p.m. at Amvets post #90 in Decatur located at 16334 Highway 58 in Decatur, TN 37322. Please come and help us celebrate Bills life.

In lieu of flowers donations may be made to the Amvets post #90 and Ladies Auxiliary.

You are encouraged to share a memory of Bill and/or your personal condolences with his family by visiting his memorial webpage and guestbook at www.companionfunerals.com. Companion Funeral Home of Athens is honored to assist his family with these arrangements.