I love you Pam, and am so sorry.  I think of you often and have never forgotten our wonderful friendship. Bill was the BEST.  Always remember the way he looked at you.

Call me if you would like to talk. 925. 837 3788

Pam, Jill, and Holly,
I didn't know about Bill's passing until this very moment on August 5, 2015.  I am truly sorry.  I have very fond memories of Dunwoody, Danville, and your family.  Jill had a specific memory of a family night out which included the song, "I Love the Rainy Night."  Obviously, I still remember it and I associate it with Bill.  Again, I'm sorry for your loss.
Jim Anklam

Emma Williams' letter to Guggy in the hospital:
Nobody said it was going to be easy, but I know that doesn't really mean anything.  They could've said it was going to be a walk in the park, trying to give you hope, but that wouldn't have helped, either.  It is what it is; all you can do is keep going.  Keep telling yourself that you can do it, that you haven't stopped fighting.  You might think that you have given up, but that would be silly because I know you haven't.  Somewhere inside of you, inside your mind, there is a box.  That box is filled with long forgotten memories.  Some of them you put there because you didn't want to remember, but some of them just got lost.  They got thrown into the wrong pile on chore day.  They wound up in the trash pile, where they would make room for other memories and thoughts, instead of the laundry pile, where they would be washed, so you could see them more clearly.  I'm not the one to decide if you put it in the trash pile on purpose, I'm just telling you that it shouldn't have been there at all.  We are all on your side.  We may not know how it feels, but we understand that it hurts.  We know it is hard, but that doesn't mean you should give up.

Amelia Blackburn Remembers her Guggy:

All my friends know I love to brag about my grandparents- about their warmth, their hipness, and most of all, about their love for each other. Their 50+ year love has inspired me my whole life, and set the perfect example of how to love and care for someone with your whole heart. Today was both a happy and sad day, as friends and family gathered to say goodbye to and celebrate the life of my amazing grandfather, Bill "The Wetz" Wetzel (or, to me, Guggy). I can't say enough about how much Guggy has done for me and taught me over the years, but I can start by saying thank you. Guggy, I love you forever, and miss you already.

Taylor Blackburn shares her love and memories of Guggy:
Life collides in chaotic and weird ways sometimes. Friday night at Oxford, my mom called to tell me my grandfather (always "Guggy" to me) had passed away due to complications from his year and a half battle against a rare blood disease known as Amyloidosis AL. He was 70 years old, and an otherwise exceptionally healthy and active man. He was also a driven man with a competitive spirit, breaking nearly every athletic record possible in high school before attending Princeton on... a football scholarship. This education and ambition would later carry him into success in business at companies like Proctor & Gamble and Clorox. These are just a few of the traits and achievements I admire in him. 
But for all his dedication to hard work, he was also a deeply caring and loving person. I remember as a child we became pen pals, and he'd send me long letters telling me about his life and inquiring about mine. Beyond the thoughtfulness and dedication of his correspondence, I remember how much I loved his distinct all-caps handwriting. So much, in fact, I adopted it as my own. I remembered all this looking over one of my flows from the IV, notes all scribbled in a script derived from his. It made me smile to think that every time I've spoken in my debate career, it's been from notes that bear evidence of one of many ways he shaped my life. 
Thank you to the friends at Oxford whose support made being away from family a little easier. It's where he wanted me to be, and he would have liked you guys a lot. 
Rest in peace, William "Bill" George Wetzel. I hope my life can leave half the legacy of the great Wetz. You are loved and missed.

Nick Williams shared his love of Guggy on Facebook:
Although I'm not one for long drawn out posts on social media, I feel that the situation entails otherwise.
For my friends who are unaware, I lost my grandfather (Bill Wetzel, known affectionately as Guggy by his grandchildren) this past Friday to a long battle with a rare disease and various treatment complications. And up until now, I have not given him the tribute he deserves. And trust me. This man is truly deserving of a heartfelt tribute. 
Throughout my almost 18 years,... I cannot think of a single important life event that Guggy wasn't around for. All of mine and my sister's accomplishments. Our various concerts and events and whatnot. Practically every single holiday. Vacations, long weekends, and just some weeknights randomly for the sake of family time. He was always around. He was never just our grandfather that we saw at family reunions or big holiday gatherings. He was my Guggy that came to my concerts and took me camping and to amusement parks and woke up early Christmas mornings with me. And even though I was never the sports junky athletic grandson he was expecting, he was always nothing but proud and supporting in everything that I tried.
He was a very calm man. The amount of times I saw Guggy get anything more than slightly irked can be counted on one hand, and 3 of those fingers don't get used (that's a fancy way of saying 2, kids). He always emanated a sense of calm and reservation that gave the house a safe feeling. His presence was quiet and strong, and always comforting. To this day, I get that same feeling every time I smell chapstick, the scent my brain associates with him. His love for his family is matched by no one I've ever met, and probably never will be by anyone I will meet. I know that I will never be able to be the amazing man that Guggy was, but he's inspired me to damn well try.
I love you Guggy. May your memory live on in us who still love you dearly.

Jim Donahue, Eulogy for Bill. November 20, 2014:

My name is Jim Donahue, friend, golfing buddy and long ago school classmate of Bill.
When in 7th grade I moved into the Baldwin Whitehall school district in October, almost 2 months into the school year. The first person I met on my first day was, lucky for me, Bill Wetzel. Bill had been asked to "show me around" and that he did. Nervous and probably a little scared, I was only 12 years old and this was a major change in my life, When Bill and I said hello I still remember feeling a lot less nervous. How did he know I loved sports I'll never know but the first place we went was the gym and locker room.  Then we looked at the outside fields. Then we toured the rest of the school.  Walking thru the halls it seemed like everyone knew Bill since very few guys walked by us without saying " hi Bill".  When we were heading back to the office Bill pointed to 2 girls and said that is Pam Fitch and Toni lee Probed. I am glad he told me there names because when we were walking toward them I noticed how pretty they were. 
Bill and I became friends that day and remained so for over 55 years even though form 1962 thru 1992 we seldom so each other.
From 1993 and up until 2 years ago we would see each other about once a year at an annual golf outings that was started after our 30th class reunion. These golf outings were great because we had a chance to catch up and chat about our lives. We were born on the same day, February 10 1944, we both have 2 daughters, we both were 19 years old when our first daughter was born and most important and amazing ---- Bill married Pam Fitch and I married Toni lee Probed.
 
 Bill was very proud of his family and now that I have had the opportunity to meet his daughters I understand why. 
Pam, Bill loved you very very much.
Pam you and the entire family deserve to feel very good and proud about yourselves for the wonderful job all of you have done over the past many months helping Bill.

Marshall Siler's Eulogy for Bill:
 
Thank you Pam for the privilege of speaking about Bill publicly today. My name is Marshall Siler and I first met Bill while we were both 40 ft. in the air on a tree platform in Pine Mt., GA during the spring of 1986. We were participating in our Executive Adventure employee orientation and I remember the Wetzel smile and some words of encouragement before I took the plunge. I was a naive and wide-eyed 24 year old and Bill was a forty something former Corporate Executive who in his words was ready "stop driving a desk at work". What followed for me the next five years was an opportunity to witness first hand what effective leadership, integrity, work ethic, and professionalism really looked like as Bill lead executives and middle managers through what was often a transformative experience. What I increasingly became of aware of after our professional lives separated is that Bill also provided a valuable measuring stick of what it meant to be a man, a husband, a father, a grandfather, a neighbor, confidant, a listener, and a good friend. I have not always measured up but I will always be grateful to have been provided the template. 

After moving to Asheville in 2000 and Bill gladly took on the support role for his wife's turn at taking the corporate world by storm, our relationship centered around our passions for the outdoors, cycling, and mostly golf.  Over the past 12 years, Bill and I have probably played over of 200 rounds of golf......often just the two of us. "They say" you learn a lot about a person's character when they play the game of golf. Based on my experience with Bill I agree with "they"......his kindness, athleticism, sportsmanship, sense of humor, encouragement, perseverance, and humility were always on display. I got to hear about the legacy of those characteristics as they showed up when Bill would catch me up on the lives of his children and grandchildren whom he was so proud of. I didn't always play well but I never had a bad round of golf with Bill. On top of that, our round was sometimes followed with getting to stay at what I called the Wetzel B & B.....a house that was always warm and welcoming and where you always ate too much...couldn't help it.  
 

I believe the phrase "A life well lived" is not sufficient.....Bill lived a life of excellence and I will be forever grateful to have been a part of it.

R.I.P Captain.....we will miss you so much.

Ralph Lloyd's Eulogy for Bill, November 20, 2014 
 
It is an honor for me to take part in this celebration of the life of Bill Wetzel.  It is also been an honor for me over the last sixty-one years to call Bill Wetzel my friend.
 
In fact other than my own family, I've know Bill  longer than anyone else in my life except for one other person - Pam Wetzel.  Pam and I first met as we learned about finger painting, construction paper, glue and nap times in kindergarten.  My family moved to another school district and Pam followed a few years later where we both made new friends – one of whom was Bill Wetzel.
 
Over the next sixty-plus years I've been witness to an enduring love story that tells us much about Bill's values and strength of character.  It is a love story that starts with pre-teen fascination and evolves through the romance of high school, the reality awakening of college, the responsibility of family, the burdens of career and most recently the peace of retirement.  Contemporary terms like “soul-mate” and “life partner” don't seem to fully capture the essence of their relationship because Bill and Pam seemed to form a single life – closer than any couple many of us will ever know.
 
Through those sixty-plus years Bill's values, honor, humor and courage were always evident to those of us who knew him.
 
No doubt his family was the focus of his life and his first consideration in any life choice.  He left the field of athletic competition in college when it took time away from his growing family.  He ran a small pizza business to support his young family and still maintained the high academic standards of an ivy league university.  He left a promising career at a Fortune 500 company when the demands of the fast track took too much time away from family.  He ventured into private practice because it meant a lifestyle closer to home.
 
Many of Bill's long time friends and teammates cite his leadership as a memorable strength.  Although the term leadership conjures for some a frenetic, demanding, overwhelming presence -  that was not Bill.  Bill's calm, self assured leadership style actually encouraged others so that they in turn could bring out their best.  It was leadership by example.
 
That is not to say that leading by example is not without sacrifice.  In our senior year, we were in a tough, physical game against our arch rivals.  Bill was playing defense and made a particularly hard tackle – it was a hell of a collision.   Although he got the better of the tackle he came staggering off the field.   I got off the bench and asked if he was OK – no answer, just a stare.  I asked if he knew where we were.   “In a football game” – an easy question.   “What's the score?” – no answer.  “What day is it?” – “I don't know”.   I said “Bill its Friday and you need to know this stuff because the coaches are not going to let you back in the game until your head is clear.  We need our captain back in the game”.  Coach Gillooly came over – “Wetzel are you OK?”  “Yeah I'm good”.   “Are you ready to go back in?”  “Ready to play”.   Coach held his hand in front of Bill's face and asked “How many fingers am I holding up?”   Bill said “It's Friday”.
 
Needless to say Bill sat out a few more plays but eventually he did go back in.  I don't know if that would happen with today's sensitivity about concussions but on that day Bill was prepared to make the sacrifice. 
 
Sometimes leading by example means you have to go first and show the way.  Bill was the first of our small group to fight a long battle against a cruel and unfair opponent.  It was a battle he was not destined to win but he faced his fate with courage and dignity.  He is still teaching us how to battle courageously no matter the odds.  
 
Most of all Bill was a friend.  Although time and distance occasionally separate people with shared interests, there can be great comfort in reconnecting old ties.  Where perspectives on the major life issues we all face – the value we bring to others around us, the loss of a parent and our own mortality – can be shared openly.   That's a pretty good definition of friendship – that's a pretty good characterization of Bill Wetzel.
 
For Bill's family, especially those who have known him far too briefly - grandchildren Nick, Emma, Amelia and Taylor - please understand that among those who have know him most of our lives, he was a gentleman and a gentle man.   His confident leadership made him our leader and teammate.  His kind heart made him our friend.
 
Like you we will miss him.

Dear Pam
Lois and I talked about the two of you in October, when we made a campus visit.  We are so sorry to hear of Bill's passing.  
Rich Reinis

Pam, my thoughts and prayers are with you and your family.  So sorry to hear of your loss.

Carolyn Kirchoff-Leddy

Dear Pam, 
My memories of Bill go back to seventh grade when we participated in sports and became good friends and teammates.  As we continued through high school, I have fond memories of games, classes, dances and all other activities that teenagers did 55 years ago.  My wife, Carol, and I enjoyed your visit to St. Pete a few years ago when we were able to reminisce about those days.  Now, as we are in the fourth quarter of life, it helps to lessen our sadness when we say that Bill will be waiting to lead us into the next great adventure.  You and your family have our deepest sympathy in this time of your loss.

I am so sorry to hear about Bill. It's been over 50 years since I've seen him, but he is always remembered. I hope your memories bring you and your family comfort. God bless.
Farley (Phillips) Burgess (San Clemente CA)

Dear Pam:  Our heartfelt sympathy to you and your family in the loss of Bill. He was a wonderful husband, father, grandfather, friend and neighbor.  We pray you will be uplifted by your many wonderful memories.
Dianne and Bob Huthwaite

Dear Pam.  Pat and I are deeply saddened to hear of the passing of Bill.  Although we only knew Bill for a few years, we knew him to be a wonderful human being, a gentleman, interesting and wise.  We feel fortunate to have a chance to meet and enjoy his company.  Bill made a difference.  I know you and your family will be comforted with the great memories you have of your many wonderful years with Bill.  Smile as you remember all those good times.

I have many great memories of Bill.   He was a wonderful example for all who knew him.   I am deeply saddened by his passing. My thoughts and prayers will be with the Wetzel family as they continue down the pathway of life.  May God comfort and support you in the time of your loss.   

“Let not your heart be troubled; ye believe in God, believe also in me.  In my Father's house are many mansions.  If it were not so, I would have told you.  I go to prepare a place for you.  And if I go and prepare a place for you, I will come again, and receive you unto myself; that where I am, there ye may be also.” John 14: 1 -3

God Bless and Keep You,

Lou Slautterback and family

Deepest sympathy, Pam, to you and your family in the loss of Bill.  Having known Bill for over 50 years, he was a prince among men.  You and Bill were the 'perfect' couple.  He will be missed.  My thoughts and prayers are with you.

Judy PRICE Peterson
Clearwater, FL

Michele and I are so sorry to hear the passing of Bill. Everyone knows what a Gentleman he is. We hope all the Great Memories you have of Bill helps with the pain your feeling now.

Dearest Pam. Sharon and I are so saddened at the loss of Bill. A super guy we will all miss. We wish you and your family comfort in the memories you will always have. God Bless. Tom and Sharon Willis

AVIS DE DÉCÈS

Bill Wetzel

10 février 1944 – 14 novembre 2014

H.M. Patterson & Son-Arlington Chapel

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