Billie H. Engler, age 93, of Louisville, joined his beloved Mildred, his bride of 70 years, in Heaven on Saturday, September 19, 2020. A member of the Greatest Generation, Billie was a true American hero who served on the U.S.S. Helena, the Admiral’s flagship, as a gunner in World War II.
Bill was born August 15, 1927 in Ohio County, KY. He was preceded in death by his parents Earl and Ethel, brothers Kenneth and Carrol, sister Hazel Robinson, and grandson, Ronald Fowler, Jr.
Bill is survived by his children, Phyllis Straus (Jim), Leonard Engler (Debbie), Rhonda Engler-Joseph (David); grandchildren Piper Joseph, Melissa Layson and Amy Roller; many great grandchildren and one great, great granddaughter; and his faithful canine buddies Toto and Olaf.
Bill retired from Ford Motor Company in 1985. He loved gardening, fishing, singing and was a master storyteller. He loved UK Basketball and was an avid fan of his Wildcats. Bill was a member of DeHaven Baptist Church in LaGrange, KY where he and Mildred attended for years. He was a Mason for over 50 years and served as Past Grand Master at Valley 511 Lodge and Rockport Lodge 312.
Our family is genuinely grateful to the heroes of 3 West at Norton’s BrownsboroHospital and Hosparus of Louisville for their compassionate care of Dad during his final journey home; and to Dr. Dathan Chesnut and Dr. Lynne Egan for their care of Dad through the years. Also, we wish to recognize cherished and devoted friends Kim Floyd and Jan Jasper, and family members Susan Jamison and Mike Engler and others, who spent many hours with Dad listening to him as he shared his life stories. To God be the glory for Dad’s life and the love he shared while he was with us.
Visitation will be held on Saturday, September 26, 2020, private family visitation 9-930 am, guests are welcome from 9:30-11:30 am. A Masonic service at 11:30 am. Eulogy and remembrance of Bill's life led by Brother Purvis held at 12 noon and at 12:30 pm the U.S. Navy flag folding ceremony and firing detail provided by the American Legion Arch L. Heady & Son at Westport Village, 7410 Westport Rd, with a Masonic service starting at 11:30 and Bill’s funeral to follow at 12 noon.
Please visit us online at www.archlheadywestport.com
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