June 6, 1920 — April 23, 2015

William R. “Bill” Whitmire, 94, longtime resident of Niles, Michigan died at 9:05 p.m. on Thursday, April 23, 2015 in Three Rivers, Michigan following a brief illness.

He was born on June 6, 1920 in Alicia, Arkansas to William Robert and Mary Ann (Brown) Whitmire. He was raised there, and entered the United States Marine Corps from Arkansas, returning as a Veteran of World War II. He came to Niles in 1952, and owned and operated the former Phillips 66 service station at East Main and Hickory Streets. He later began a 30-year career with the former Niles plant of Simplicity Pattern Company.

Bill was a member of the Church of Christ in Niles. He enjoyed hunting and fishing, and golfing in the Simplicity Pattern league at Plym Park. He is well remembered as being skilled in many crafts, especially home repair, willing – and usually able — to fix anything.

On June 22, 1940, in Hopewell, Arkansas he married the former Ollie Mae Frisbee with whom he celebrated the remarkable 71st anniversary of their wedding prior to her death on April 13, 2012. He was also preceded in death by two sons, James in 2013, and Richard in 1974; a granddaughter, Kellie Binns; one brother and seven sisters.

Surviving family includes his children, Bill C. Whitmire of Tarpon Springs, Florida, Mary Elaine (Michael) Hanlin of Three Rivers, Michigan, and Daniel Ray Whitmire of Eustis, Florida; nine grandchildren, 22 great-grandchildren, and 15 great-great-grandchildren; and many nieces and nephews.

The family and friends of William Whitmire will gather at 9:30 a.m. on Friday, May 1, 2015, at the Halbritter Funeral Home in Niles to form a motorcade for travel to Mission Hills for services by Mr. David Thompson of the Church of Christ. The service will conclude with Full Military Honors by the United States Marine Corps Honor Guard and American Legion Post #51 of Buchanan.

Contributions in memory of Bill may be made to the Church of Christ.

www.halbritterfunerals.com