William Robert Terrill

William Robert Terrill of Atwater died Sunday November 14th at home with his family by his side. He was 79 years old.

William was born on October 13, 1931 in Montana, Arkansas to William Nathan and Eva Emmaline Terrill.

He is preceded in death by his beloved mother Eva, his father Nathan, his brother Paul and his sisters Bernice Prunty and Cathern “Cat” Dodson.

His brothers and sisters who survive him are an important part of his life because he never forgot his Arkansas roots. Max Terrill of Bernie Missouri, David Terrill of Malden Missouri, Eva Jean Cravens of Parma Missouri, Bertha (Boots) Skidgel of Bernie Missouri and Tommy Terrill of Arkansas.

William is also survived by his devoted, understanding and loving wife of over 54 years Violet Terrill. His son Walter Terrill along with his wife Claudia, his daughter Pamela Torresani, Roberta Sandoval and her husband Richard Sandoval, his daughter Teresa Romeo and her husband and his son-in-law for nearly 30 years Mark Romeo. The light in his eyes and his joy for over 32 years are his grandchildren; Carla Moncrief, Nathan William Terrill, Michael William Boyle, Melissa Terrill, Andy and Victoria Dai, Layne William Romeo, Shane Terrill, Angelina Romeo and Alexandra Sandoval and his great grandchild Destiny Terrill.

He served his country honorably for over twenty two years in the United States Air Force. During that time he served in the conflicts in Viet Nam and Korea. As a very young recruit fresh from Montana, Arkansas he served in Europe and later returned to be stationed in England and Germany with his family.

William was a lifetime fan of the St. Louis Cardinals baseball team. His other hobbies include wood-working, working on cars and fishing.

To all that knew and loved him he was “larger than life” and we thought he was invincible. Cancer proved us wrong: however he fought this disease long and hard and with dignity to his last breath. His absence from our lives will be immensely felt every day, but he will live on in our hearts and our memories forever.

Visitation will be held at Stratford Evans Merced Funeral Home on Thursday, November 18, 2010 at 2 pm until 7 pm. Services will be officiated by Don Skeels of Merced Church of Christ at Stratford Evans Merced Funeral home at 11 am, on Friday, November 19, 2010. Immediately following the service a reception will be held at Castle Vista Retirement Community in Atwater. The family would like to thank the staff of Atwater Medical Clinic for their care and concern.

Arrangements under the direction of Stratford Evans Merced Funeral Home, Merced, CA.