Billie G. "Bill" Kilgore

Passed away peacefully from this life to a better world on Thursday, June 9, 2016, with loving family members at his side at the age of 66. In Tollesboro, KY, Bill was born to the late Orville and Mary Alice (Hardymon) Kilgore November 23, 1949. As a young boy of 12, the family relocated to Hemlock, where Bill attended Hemlock Public Schools, graduating with the class of 1968. Bill enlisted in the United States Marine Corp, serving his country during the Vietnam War, 1969-1971. Bill and his beloved Janet A. Watson entered Holy matrimony September 23, 1972 in Hemlock. To that union were born a son Joshua, who died in infancy, two daughters, Alicia and Ashley both of Saginaw. Those also left to cherish his memory are granddaughters Taylor Kilgore and Erykha Jones; siblings: Don (Linda) Kilgore, Roger Kilgore (deceased), Bob (Janis) Kilgore, Shiela (Joe) McFadden, KY; Pam Scott, KY; Pete (Donna) Jacovitch, Paul (deceased)(Cindy) Jacovitch, Mary (Mike) Andrews, Larry (Libby) Jacovitch, GA; Jeff (Shelly) Kilgore, Brenda Nugent, IN; David Kilgore, IN; Michele (Mike) Tinsley, Angela (Rick) Webster, SC; Regina Ruggles (deceased), in-laws: Harley and BettyJo (deceased) Kernstock, Charles and Nancy Shimek, Ed and Pat Watson; numerous nephews, nieces, great-nephews, great-nieces, cousins and friends. Predeceasing Bill were his in-laws Warren and Ruth (Schoof) Watson, nephews Nathan Kernstock and Kurt Watson. Hemlock Public Schools employed Bill as a custodian, where he worked at all four school buildings during his career. Always wearing a smile, Bill diligently created and maintained a safe and clean learning environment for students and faculty members. As an early riser, Bill arrived at work an hour early (even on non-snowy days!) to insure the building was ready for its occupants, to brew Maxwell House coffee and discuss sports' scores of previous night's contests with colleagues. Being a dedicated employee, Bill rarely used a sick day and vacation days were only taken during summer recess. His patient and kind demeanor were his trademarks as he was a repairer of jacket zippers, locker jams, and opener of lunch-time-food containers for children. The students fondly called him "Mr. Bill". When the third generation of children began filling the halls of Ling and Hemlock Elementary, he realized it was time to retire, after 43 years of faithful service. Bill played a key role in forming the support staff Union at HPS, serving as president for numerous years. Sports occupied a large portion of Bill's leisure, whether it was watching High School contests or televised games of Detroit Lions and Tigers or traveling to Midland to cheer for the Loons semi pro baseball team. Michigan college sports were a favorite as well, but U of M held his allegiance. Playing fast pitch softball with friends and relatives was enjoyable for him in his younger years where he was a third baseman. After several years, Bill then took up the game of golf as a member of the Merrill Hemlock League. After retirement, Bill enjoyed helping his brother-in-law, Ed, on the Watson Family Farm being eager to rake hay or straw, mow three family lawns or taking the role of hay-wagon-hauler. Bill liked to grow and harvest vegetables, too, but most of all he loved spending time with his family. Bill's John Deere lawn tractor was his preferred means of teaching beginning driving skills to his lovely granddaughters, Taylor and Erykha, beginning around ten years of age. They affectionately referred to him as "Bumps". Being a loving father-figure to Taylor, he never missed a father-daughter dance, and Erykha's daily, loving phone calls to her "Bumps" after school made his day complete. After his departure from this earthy home, her desire was to call him in Heaven to be assured that he arrived safe and sound. Funeral service for Bill Kilgore will take place at 11:00 a.m. Monday, June 13, 2016 at Zion Lutheran Church, 17927 Dice Rd., Hemlock. Rev. Paul A. Hauser will officiate with military burial at Richland Township Cemetery, Hemlock. Friends may visit at the W. L. Case and Company Funeral Chapel, 201 N. Miller Rd. on Sunday, June 12, 2016 from 2:00-8:00 p.m. and on Monday at church from 10:00 a.m. until the time of the funeral service. In lieu of flowers memorial tributes may be made to the wishes of the family. The family would like to express their thanks to two special R.N.'s Hilda and Ladd, in addition to the entire staff of Covenant Harrison, 7th Main Floor. www.casefuneralhome.com

Funeral Home:
W. L. Case and Company
201 North Miller Road
Saginaw, MI
United States 48609