William Calvin Amis Jr., 84, of Merced CA died July 6, 2022. “Bill” Amis, son of William C Amis Sr. and Nettie M Amis, loving husband of Cynthia Ellen Triviz, passed after a very short battle with cancer. He is survived by his wife Cynthia, and five children Jeffrey Dean, Nancy Gwen, William Calvin III, Darin Craig, and Marc Timothy. He is also survived by nine grandchildren and three great grandchildren.
Bill was born in Sherill Arkansas in 1937 but the family headed west to California as a result of the “great depression”. The family held various farming and cannery jobs throughout the San Joaquin Valley, but ultimately settled in the Planada-LeGrand area. Bill had great aspirations in life and was fascinated with planes flying in and out of Castle Air Force Base in nearby Atwater. He enlisted in the US Air Force in 1954. He loved every minute of his service and was very proud to serve his country. His service allowed him many opportunities to gain meaningful skillsets which would ultimately lead to greater success in his adult life. He had tours of duty in Germany, France, and Sandia Base in Albuquerque, New Mexico.
During his 8 years of service Bill was married twice. His first marriage was to Joann Olguin in 1959. They had two wonderful children, Jeffrey and Nancy. His second marriage was to Cynthia Triviz in 1960. He and Cynthia shared just over 61 glorious years of marriage, where they had three children William III, Darin, and Marc.
Upon being honorably discharged from the Air Force in 1962 Bill returned to California. He connected with Deputy Sheriff Lee Bradley, a family friend, as well as Deputy Don Wisdom who both encouraged Bill to seek a career in law enforcement. Bill was energized by this notion, and later became a Reserve Deputy Sheriff. Then Sheriff, John Latorraca, gave him various work patrol opportunities in Merced County, where he exhibited great moral conduct as well as thorough and precise reporting. Bill was grateful to Latorraca in many respects who served as a strong role model for him. Bill was sworn in as a full-time Deputy Sheriff in 1965. Bill challenged and passed the Peace Officer Standards and Training (P.O.S.T.) before it became mandatory and was recognized by the State Attorney General for the accomplishment. Subsequent to this, Bill realized the importance of an education that companions a career in Law Enforcement. Therefore, he and long-time friend Jerry Brockman decided to enroll at Merced College where they completed their Associate in Arts degree in Criminology in 1970. Bill carried a full load, worked full-time, and was raising children.
Bill managed to serve in every rank during his tenure at the Merced County Sheriff's Office. From 1969-1973, Sergeant Amis worked on all cases including murder to barking dogs. When Bill transferred as a Detective, he was instrumental in forming the first narcotics task force in Merced County. In 1973 acting Sheriff Earl McKeown promoted Bill to Lieutenant and assigned him Administrative Assistant to the Sheriff. In 1974, Jess Bowling became Sheriff who then promoted Bill to Undersheriff. In 1979, Bill was appointed acting Sheriff. Bill filed for election in 1980 and was ultimately sworn in as Sheriff of Merced County in January 1981. He served two elected terms and retired from service in July 1989 after nearly 27 years of service. He felt blessed to serve Merced County for so long and to have led so many fine deputies and other personnel in the department.
Bill was an active member in the Merced County community with memberships and roles in Merced Elks Lodge, Los Banos Sportsman Association, LeGrand Lions, Merced Kiwanis, Merced Trade Club, American Legion, Air Force Association, Merced County Sheriff’s Posse, California State Sheriff’s Association, Valley Vintage Car Club, and Merced Corvette Club.
In retirement years he enjoyed farming, gardening, horses, classic cars, anything involving a tractor and taking care of others who may have needed his help for any reason. He was generous with his time and caring for others. He was a loyal friend. The thing he enjoyed most was spending time with his family. He was proud of all of his children.
Funeral Services will be private. Bill was a huge supporter of Veterans. In his honor, and in lieu of flowers, support for the local Merced American Legion would be appreciated.
