William Harold Winchell

William (Bill) Harold Winchell of Albion, a beloved husband, father and grandfather, died Dec. 8, 2022, at home at the age of 82. Bill was born Aug. 30, 1940, to Harold Winchell and Vida Dean. Bill served our country in the U.S. Army and upon his discharge, graduated from Jackson Business College. He worked as a salesman at Clark Equipment and Airmaster before relocating from the Jackson area to West Virginia and eventually retiring from State Electric.

He moved back to Concord where he reconnected with an old friend, Barbara, who would become his loving wife of 11 years. Barb brought Bill to her place in Webster, Florida, and the couple were adored by all. He created Bill’s Stop Light Bar, a popular hangout for friends and neighbors during daily happy hour celebrations. No invitation was ever needed, and laughs and fun were always in stock.

Bill enjoyed playing golf, corn hole and cards and rooting for Michigan State University. Being an avid Spartan fan, he enjoyed ribbing family members who rooted for the other university in Michigan. Bill was known for being a wonderful, kind and generous man whose stubbornness was less a fault and just a part of who he was and why he was loved.

Known by many as Billy Boy or Mr. Bill, it was never unclear where you stood with Bill. That was especially evident when he would give you a “Ribbit” to let you know to zip it.

Bill is survived by his wife, Barbara; son Bill (Lesley) Winchell; daughter Vicki (Chris) DeVader (Chris); grandsons Nick, Zach and Casey; granddaughter Kaitlin; and brother Rick (Linda) Winchell. He is also survived by an extended family of “bonus” children and grandchildren who adored him: Don (Angela) Seitler, Gina (Rob) Sterett and Teresa Hobart; “bonus” granddaughters Hadley, Hillary, Taylor, Casey and Stacy; and “bonus” grandsons Doug, Andrew and Matthew. He was preceded in death by his parents and a sister, Joanne Chambers.

Per his wishes, cremation will take place and the family is planning a celebration of life. In lieu of flowers, please consider a donation in Bill’s name to the Wounded Warrior Project at woundedwarriorproject.org or the charity of your choosing. The family thanks everyone who has expressed their sympathy and shared stories of Bill and encourages those, if they so choose, to toast him and his memory with his drink of choice, Cayman Jack. He will be dearly missed.