William Ward Manning

William was preceded in death by his parents Gus and Jewell Manning, five brothers Gus Manning Jr., Charles Manning, Thomas Manning, Bobby Manning, Ronald Manning, and two sisters Betty Greene and Donna Moyer.

William is survived by his wife of 58 years Shirley Hagan Manning. Son John William Manning (wife Autumn) and daughter Michelle Manning Cervera (husband David). Five grandchildren Jaelynn Faith Brown, Hallie Reiss Manning, Jaden Isabella Cervera, Dylan Matthew Manning, and Jonah Michael Cervera. Three great-grandchildren Kenneth Gregory Meza, Parker Kane Moses, and Avery Renee Dean Holter. One brother Terry Manning (wife Sharon).

William was born in Atlanta, Georgia in 1945, to Gus Eugene Manning and Jewell Grace Manning. His father moved the Manning family to Carrollton, Ohio in 1952. William spent his childhood in Carrollton until his teenage years at which time he endured the passing of his parents - his father in August 1959 and his mother in March 1964. William enlisted in the United States Army in December 1964. He served on active duty for several years and then transitioned to the United States Army Reserves. He used his Gl bill to attend college at Northwestern State University in Natchitoches, Louisiana and graduated in July 1971 with a Bachelor's Of Science in Business. William proudly served his country for 32 years achieving the rank of Sergeant Major prior to his retirement in March 1996. William also worked for the Department of Defense in Human Resources for decades with his last position being a Position Classification Specialist at the Civilian Personnel Advisory Center at Ft. Sam Houston, Texas.

William Manning was a devout Christian and loved God. One of William's favorite bible verses was Matthew 17:20. "If you have faith as small as a mustard seed, nothing will be impossible for you". Some of Bill's favorite church songs are being played for this service today: How Great Thou Art, Old Rugged Cross, Just As I Am, and Amazing Grace. William was always an active congregant at the post chapels of Ft. Polk, Ft. Hood, and Ft. Sam Houston. While William participated in the Men of the Chapel group at Ft. Sam Houston, he became familiar with the Texas Ramp Project. He volunteered building wheelchair ramps for this nonprofit organization for many years. In addition William served with ESGR (Employer Support of the Guard and Reserve) advocating for guard and reserve members who needed assistance in the resolution of conflicts with their civilian employers arising from an employee's military commitment.

William's proudest achievement was his beautiful family. William married the love of his life on December 2, 1966 at Ft. Polk, Louisiana. William and Shirley had two children - son John and daughter Michelle. Their two families created five grandchildren and three great grandchildren. More so than at any other job or position, William excelled as a grandfather and great grandfather. He thrived at showing unconditional love, sharing wisdom, eagerly listening, and showering with attention. He was always present and eager to attend a school event, support a fundraiser, or perform pickup or dropoff duties.

William "Bill" was a man of old school values: respect, responsibility, honesty, integrity, courtesy, courage, and kindness. He was a helpful friend, a dedicated husband, a reliable father, and the most magnificent grandfather and great grandfather. His remarkable life of resiliency is an example for us all and he will be greatly missed by both his family and friends.

The Manning family wants to express a debt of great gratitude to Doctor William C.L. Wu AKA "My Little Brother". Without you we would not have been able to spend the last 36 amazing years with this wonderful man. The spouses, grandchildren, and great grandchildren would never have had the great pleasure of knowing him. We can never repay you for all the years of dedicated, skilled, and compassionate care you provided. Bill loved you very much!!!

In lieu of flowers, expressions of sympathy may be made by donation to the American Heart Association.