William Lee Ames

William Lee “Bill” Ames peacefully ascended to the Gates of Heaven on February 24, 2026, from the comfort of his home finally finding rest after a courageous battle with cancer. This would be a journey he walked with unwavering strength for nearly three decades. He is now reunited with the love of his life, his beloved "Ginny," Virginia Ann Garber, who preceded him in death in November 2021 after her own valiant fight against glioblastoma brain cancer. Together again, their light continues to shine through the family they built and adored. Bill’s powerful legacy of love, laughter, and faith lives on through his daughters and their families: Laura and Patrick Murphy of Royal Oak, and Angie and John May of Rochester Hills. His spirit will forever cheer from the sidelines for his cherished grandchildren, Emerson and Marlow Murphy and Madison and Ashlyn May, who were the pride and joy of his life.

Bill’s story began in Moline, Kansas, April 28, 1948, born to Lee E. "Chig" and AnnaBel "Ann" Ames. He joins in eternal rest his parents and his beloved older sister, Marilyn Ann Wilkerson, who passed away in 2023. The foundation of Bill’s character was built in Moline and there at his Family’s dealership, Ames Chevrolet. In 1913, his family turned a livery stable to a showroom that became the lifeblood of their small town, employing generations of hardworking Americans. It was there, among the salt-of-the-earth values of rural Kansas, that Bill learned the integrity and work ethic that would eventually define his own storied 35 year career at General Motors. A proud 1966 graduate of Moline High School, Bill took his talents to the College of Emporia, where he would be a multi letter college athlete. A standout in football and baseball, Bill’s athleticism was legendary; he led the conference in receiving for two consecutive years and earned the prestigious title of NAIA All-American. He graduated in 1971 with a degree in Business Education and his competitive fire never dimmed. In 2010, his legacy was etched into college history with his induction to the CoE Athletic Hall of Fame.

Life’s winding road eventually led Bill to the rugged beauty of Durango, Colorado, where his career with Chevrolet truly took root. He would meet friends of a lifetime there, but it was in January 1975 that he found his true north: a blind date with a woman named Ginny. They fell into a love so certain that they were married by October of that same year. Durango is the birthplace of their love and two daughters, but the quiet mountain life soon gave way to the whirlwind of a "corporate gypsy" existence with GM. Over a relentless 9 year stretch, the Ames family called 9 different states "home." Through every pack-out and every new zip code, Bill was the steady hand on the reins. A true cowboy to his core, he would look at his girls with a grin and say, “Mr. Chevrolet needs us to mosey on!” For Bill, home wasn't a specific set of four walls; it was wherever his girls were, and the next adventure waiting over the horizon.

After 35 years of dedicated “service to the General,” Bill retired from General Motors in 2004. But he wasn't done leading; his retirement marked the beginning of a storied second act as a cornerstone of Rochester High School athletics. Bill’s heart belonged to the Falcons since 1993, when he first stepped into the stands as a devoted father to Laura and Angie. During their years in competitive cheerleading seasons, Bill was their most iconic fan. He could always be found at the very top of the bleachers, arms raised proudly in a "High V," cheering the teams on toward multiple state championships. In 2006, his transition from the stands to the sidelines was seamless. After coaching the boys' baseball team for four seasons, Bill found his true calling in 2009 as the RHS Varsity football receivers coach. Under his mentorship, the program became a powerhouse, producing a long line of college-bound athletes. For Coach Ames, the scoreboard was only part of the story. His greatest joy was witnessing the transformation of his players (& fellow Staff) into men of character. He loved the team and Coaching staff to his core and moved through life—and the locker room—with many guiding values: “Practice what you preach” and “Pay the price.” He believed that the sacrifices made on the field were the seeds of success in life, and he took immense pride in watching those lessons come to fruition in the lives of "his boys." Together with Ginny, Bill didn't just support a high school; he helped build a family.

A man of deep resonance, both in voice and in character, Bill found a true home at St. Paul’s UMC. Whether he was lifting his voice in the choir, bonding with the Men’s Group, or delivering a warm meal and a smile through Meals on Wheels, his faith was a verb. He lived it loudly and with an open heart. But Bill also knew that life was meant to be an adventure. For over 40 years, his "happy place" was a houseboat on Lake Powell, surrounded by the red rocks of Utah and a brotherhood of dear friends. Between Michigan State Tailgates, golf trips, hunting excursions and NASCAR races, Bill was the heartbeat of every gathering. While we might officially keep his "semi-pro" gambling operations off the record, those who knew him will never forget the thrill of Buckwheat’s Bracket Buster. Whether it was the NCAA playoffs or the Superbowl, Bill’s legendary pools were less about the wagering and more about the connection—delivering a little extra cash to pockets and a lot of extra love, laughter and light to the room. It would be in September 2021 when he and Ginny were both inducted into the Rochester high school Athletic Hall of Fame that truly was his most proud life accomplishment. Our “Papa” will be forever missed. A celebratory gathering of friends and family will be held Friday, March 13 from 4 to 8 p.m. at the Pixley Funeral Home, 322 W. University Dr., Rochester. Funeral services will be held Saturday, March 14 at St. Paul’s United Methodist Church, 620 Romeo Street, Rochester. Visitation will start at 10am and the funeral will start at 11am. For those who cannot make it, a livestream will be available on Pixley funeral home website. Following the funeral, loved ones are invited back to our Mom and Dads house for an open house luncheon by the fire. Just the way he would have wanted it. In lieu of flowers, the family suggests memorial contributions to the “Bill and Ginny Memorial Scholarship Foundation” hosted by Rochester Community Schools. https://secure.lglforms.com/form_engine/s/LocrnZHFyFJOFqsI6SQ1RA?t=1772130283