If anyone ever cared, really cared for someone else it would have to be William C. Tacker. Bill was a warm hearted and well liked individual, and these wonderful traits came easily to him because he was such a sociable and amiable person, someone who was always making certain that those around him had whatever they needed. Bill was a talkative person who was tactful at all times but typically said what he meant.
Bill was born at home in Finger, Tennessee on April 30, 1931 and that was where he was raised. He was the son of Guy and Gladys Tacker. During his childhood he learned to be reliable and respectful. Bill was an obedient child who wanted to win the favor of others. He found it easy to show sympathy and to perform kind acts for others. These admirable qualities would become a part of Bill's personality throughout his life.
Though Bill was frequently the one to initiate games and activities with his family, he was also quite often the family member who took the role of referee. Bill was a peace-maker with an ability to resolve all sorts of family conflicts. In fact, Bill worked conscientiously to keep those typical family spats at bay. Bill was raised with four siblings. He had one younger brother and three sisters and his siblings had the typical rivalries while growing up, but they cared deeply for one another.
As someone who reveled in the sheer joy of his experiences, Bill was always enthusiastic about new adventures. Although he had an exacting nature, Bill was always tactful. One thing Bill will certainly be remembered for is that, when he got up in the mornings, he was ready and raring to go. As a young boy, Bill had a number of interests and was an active child. He took part in basketball.
For Bill, the school routines were never a problem although he generally preferred variety to structure. He seemed to be able to start a project and work right through to its completion. And he was able to do it quickly and efficiently. Bill was also adept at details. He was very observant and was generally quick at picking up new things. He enjoyed some courses more than others, having favorite classes and teachers.
There was one thing that all of Bill's friends knew and will still remember, and that is that he was a talker. He could pretty much talk to anybody about anything. This quality is one of the primary reasons that Bill was such a popular person throughout his life. But he was also dependable, loyal and trustworthy. Bill was the kind of person who simply radiated good fellowship. While he maintained personal standards and his own personal values, Bill was very accepting of others. With a distinct skill for working things out, he was often the person who would organize events. In fact, Bill was fairly comfortable playing the role of “host” for just about any occasion. When Bill made friends, he made true and lasting friendships. While growing up, some of his best friends were Ray Owens and Toby Gilliert. Later in life, he became friends with Corrine and Mike Pavick, and Nancy Verrington.
Bill was a faithful and loving person. Some would even call his sentimental and a romantic at heart. His kindness and consideration radiated an aura of warmth to those around his. He cared for what others thought and carried that into his marriage. On September 17, 1955 Bill married Lorraine Helen Marie Wysther at The Cornith Court House in Corinth, Mississippi. Compassionate and devoted, Bill worked hard to make his new life partner happy.
Harmony was important to Bill and he made every effort to maintain it with his family. He was blessed with three children, one son Randy and two daughters, Pamela and Cindy. They were also blessed with six grandchildren, five girls, Tracy, Amber, Kaitlyn, Hanna, Lauren and one boy Eric. Bill was always conscious of the feelings others had. He was reasonable and understanding. As a result, he was quick to solve disputes and did so without much fuss. His secret of success in this area was simple: Bill would listen before he would act.
Taking his work seriously came naturally to Bill, and he expected the same from those around him. He was a good team player, someone who was born to cooperate with others. He was what some would call a “people person” and it was demonstrated in his good communication skills. Bill was a steady worker, one who was realistic about schedules. The kind of details that would give family members and work colleagues fits were situations that Bill handled well. He could understand the details without getting lost in the broad “big picture.” His primary occupation was as a machinist. He was employed for National Biscuit Company (Nabisco) for 35 years. He brought harmony to his work environment, doing what was necessary in order to get the job done, while always maintaining respect for his colleagues.
Blessed with a practical nature, Bill was a person who appreciated the routine of the military. He was a man who took his obligations seriously, working well with the others in his unit. He was a United States Navy veteran. He served in Hawaii, the Philippines and Korea in the Glenview Naval Air Station. Bill saw action for three and a half years during the Korean Conflict. Through his hard work and dedication, he achieved the rank of U.S.N.R. - RU. He received several awards including a China Service Medal, a United Nations Service Medal, a National Defense Service Medal, a Korean Service Medal, and a One Star Good Conduct Metal First Award.
A methodical man, Bill enjoyed spending time working on his various hobbies. He had no problem following all of the steps and instructions on a given project and was proud of the fact that he could have something to show for his efforts. His favorite pursuits were dancing, playing cards, boating, and going to the casinos.
Bill was one of those people who took pride in constantly putting forth his best effort. Nowhere was that more visible than in sports. Bill was always enthusiastic and a great team player. Recreational sports included swimming and basketball. He also liked being a sports fan and enjoyed following his favorite teams whenever he got the opportunity. Tops on his list were professional basketball.
Bill was the kind of person who would readily move into action in order to help others. He was appreciated and respected. He could find value in the opinions of others and was passionate about his own values and beliefs. Politically, Bill was a strong supporter of the Democratic Party.
Not only did Bill enjoy traveling, but he also seemed to enjoy planning all of those trips and vacations. He was a facilitator who could easily make up a near perfect schedule of all of the things to do and see. He rarely tired of going back and revisiting his favorite places. Favorite vacations included going to Hawaii and taking Cruises.
Bill was also a lover of animals and cherished his pets. His favorites were Coco, Tina and Lucky, who were best friends for 15 years. His family was rounded out by his tropical fish and his cat Midnight.
Since it was easy for Bill to meet and get to know new people, he quickly made friends, even in retirement. Once he met those new friends, he loved sharing stories and talking about the good old days. Since he was practical and cost effective, Bill was ready when that day to retire finally came in May 1, 1990 in Chicago, Illinois. His new life involved relocating to Sun City West, Arizona. In retirement, he found new pleasure in water walking, pooling and the casinos. Even in retirement, Bill stayed in touch with his old friends and made plenty of new acquaintances. He was active in the community and felt fulfilled with the opportunities that retirement offered him.
Bill passed away on January 21, 2014 at Serenity Hospice in Sun City West, Arizona. Bill fought a brave battle against heart disease and diabetes. He is survived by wife Lorraine, his three children Randy, Pamela and Cindy, his 6 grandchildren, his brother Bob and his sisters Frances and Betty. Services were held at Sunland Mortuary and Bill was laid to rest at Sunland Memorial Park Cemetery in Sun City, Arizona.
Bill was a fantastic conversationalist who could engage just about anyone in a discussion. And whenever he said something, he meant it. Bill was a down to earth person, outgoing and gregarious. He was without question the type of person who enjoyed experiencing things first hand. He was practical and sensible, but what friends and family will remember him for most is the fact that he was so understanding and kind. Everyone whose life he touched will miss William “Bill” Tacker.
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