William "Bill" Hall French

On Saturday morning, November 7, 2026, as Bill peacefully passed at home with his children by his side, God held out His hand and took him home where he was greeted by his wife, mother, father, brother, and sister. Along with many family members and friends who have been waiting for him.

Bill was born February 10, 1940 in Henry County, Springville, Tennessee, to Buford Perry and Ella Irene (Hall) French.

On October 13, 1956 he married Peggy Jean Armstrong in Alcorn County, Corinth, Mississippi.

His love language to his family was working hard everyday for many years at Shaw Walker/Westinghouse/Knoll to provide for them.

His greatest passion was singing and playing country music. He was asked by Dottie West to be her front man, but he turned it down because he felt it wasn't a life for a family man. He was well known in Muskegon, Michigan and played in several bands, including: The Versatones, Bob Duncan and the String-a-longs, and Wes French (his cousin) and The Western Years. He was on the televised Channel 13 morning show and was on the radio version of Green Valley Jamboree. He was nominated to the Michigan Country Music Hall of Fame.

He loved hunting, fishing and sports...seriously-two Tv's and a radio going at the same time to hear all the games!

He leaves behind a legacy of love, laughter, music, and knowing our family roots.

He is survived by: his sister, Linda Hardin; his children, James French, and Lorraine (Mark) Wilson; his grandchildren, Timothy (Craig) French, Kallie (Jeremy) Thoma, Samantha (John) Kludy, and Lacey Baty; his great-grandchildren, Ahleisandra Rosales, Ahvraeum Rosales, Jackson Hills, John Kludy, and Jordan Hills; as well as many nieces, nephews, and extended family.

He was preceded in death by: his wife, Peggy French; his parents, Buford and Ella French; sister, Mattie Lou (James) Lowery; brother, Robert (Imogene) French; brother-in-law, Harold Hardin; and special friend, Lois Andregg.

A Funeral Service for Bill will be held on Thursday, November 12, 2026 at 1:00pm at Ever Rest Funeral Home and Chapel. The family will welcome guests one hour prior to the start of the service. Bill will be laid to rest at Sunrise Memorial Gardens.