William Robert East

William R. (Bill) East passed away on Thursday, July 18, 2013. Known to his friends and family as "Bogi," he was a native of Ashland, AL, a graduate of Auburn University, and a long-time resident of Vestavia Hills.

He was retired from AT&T, where he was employed for 35 years while serving the company in Birmingham and Atlanta. He also spent four years with Bell Labs in New Jersey.

While at Auburn, Bill served as Circulation Manager of The Auburn Plainsman newspaper. He was president of the Vestavia Hills Parks and Recreation Board and was a former board member and one time President of the Windward Condominium Owners Association in Perdido Key, FL. He served as Chairman of the Communications Committee of Governor Riley's Black Belt Action Committee. An ardent environmentalist, he was a board member of the Alabama Rivers Alliance, served as that organization's treasurer for many years, and authored "Outdoors with Bill East," a monthly digest of his outdoor adventures.

An avid traveler, Bill traveled extensively abroad, and with a recent trip to Alaska, realized his dream of visiting all 50 states in the Union.

Bill is survived by his wife of 60 years, Carol; his son, Scotty of Atlanta; daughter-in-law, Allison of Atlanta; two grandchildren, Collier and Ella; and a sister, Joanne East Henson of Daphne, AL.

The family will receive visitors at Ridout's Southern Heritage Funeral Home, Pelham at 6 p.m. Wednesday, July 24, 2013. Graveside service will immediately follow. In lieu of flowers, gifts may be made to The Vestavia Hills Public Library and the Alabama Rivers Alliance.