 |
William J. 'Bill' Newill Lancaster, OH QCWA # 18683 Chapter 9 |
 |
NEWILL, William J. "Bill" (1922 2017) 94, passed away, Monday, May 1, 2017 on Hilton Head Island, South Carolina. Bill was born in Wilkinsburg, Pennsylvania to Edward B. and Zilpha B. Newill. He attended Westminster Presbyterian Church in Dayton OH and met his wife, Margaret (Alkins) through the young adults' ministry group. They were married Sept. 7, 1949.
Bill had moved to Oakwood, OH early in his life, attending Oakwood schools. He had a strong attachment to Boy Scouts and attended the 1937 World Jamboree in Europe, just prior to WWII breaking out.
Throughout his life, he was an active golfer, sailor, tennis player, and swimmer sharing and teaching those skills with his children and grandchildren.
He attended Purdue University, Lafayette IN, graduating in 1943 as an Electrical Engineer, then served in the US Navy both as an Aviation Aadio Aepairman (Electricians Mate First Class) and was recalled to active duty during the Korean conflict to serve as an instructor in advanced radio repair.
Bill's career was spent with General Motors - Delco Products of Dayton, OH as an advanced electric motors design engineer. He received six patents for his inventions. Most notably, he was one of the pioneers of electric cars, to include the three Lunar Rover Vehicles driven by astronauts on the moon.
Bill's faith life was centered in his involvement at Fairmont Presbyterian Church where he served as a Trustee, on numerous ministry teams, and led their 2nd Century Fundraising campaign for capital improvements.
He was a Professional grade member of the Society of Automotive Engineers, the Institute of Electrical and Electronic Engineers.
As a Ham Radio operator (W8LIL) he was a member of the Quarter Century Wireless Association and the American Radio Relay League. Active in the Dayton and Centerville OH communities, he was President of the Engineers Club of Dayton leading its 50th anniversary events Montgomery County Grange, and Centerville Lions Club where he was President and frequent leader of their famous Ox Roast.
Locally, Bill was known as a man that could fix nearly anything electrical or mechanical!
His greatest achievements were as a devoted husband, father, grandfather and great-grandfather. He inspired two generations of the family to go on to greater achievements in life. Survivors include his children: David (Sharon) Newill, Edward (Kate Uranek) Newill and Barbara (The Rev. Dr. Emil) Klatt; and his grandchildren: Mark, Elizabeth, Matthew, Megan, Emily, Marcella, Elizabeth and Margaret; 11 great grandchildren; his brother Robert B. Newill and and cousin, Thomas H. (Colleen) Reynolds and numerous nieces and nephews.
A private family celebration service for William J. Newill is being planned.
Contributions in his honor may be made to Wright State Foundation, 3640 Colonel Glenn Highway, Dayton OH 45435 and Fairmont Presbyterian Church, 3705 Far Hills Ave, Dayton OH 45429
You may visit his on-line memorial at www.williamnewill.virtual-memorials.com where you can sign the guest book and leave a message or add to his story. Dad/Daddy Bill, You will always be in our hearts.
The Island Funeral Home and Crematory. islandfuneralhome.com
Published in Dayton Daily News on May 7, 2017
