When I think of Bill, I think of his devotion to the Lord, family, and community; his good nature and generosity to others; his loyalty to loved ones; and his fondness of fellowship.
William “Bill” P. Zounes passed away at the age of 80 on Feb 1, 2021, in his La Jolla, CA, home. He is survived by a large and loving family: His wife, Karen, of 46 years; his two siblings Helen Zucker and John Zounes; his five grown children Elizabeth McElmell, William Zounes, Thomas Zounes, Randolph Zounes, and Krisena Marchal; his two step children Laura Krebsbach and Michael Brunke; his 12 grandchildren; and a large extended family of relatives and in-laws.
Born to Peter and Nellie Zounes, both of direct Lithuanian descent, Bill lived his entire life in Southern California. From an early age, his parents instilled the core values of hard work, honesty, integrity, and humility that would ultimately ensure his future success in his business and personal life. Together with his siblings and parents, Bill worked tirelessly in the family meat business, Action Foods, for the first half of his life. He started out learning the business while in high school and continued working there well beyond his marriage to his first wife, Maryann, his graduation from San Diego State University in 1962, and the births of his five children. After Bill married Karen in 1974, they purchased the business from his parents. Together, they ran the meat business until they sold it in 1981 to pursue real estate investing full-time. This transition proved fruitful and allowed for more time with family and friends, involvement with the church, opportunities for travel, and a seemingly endless supply of funny stories about his real estate adventures.
Bill’s marriage to Karen brought about a spiritual birth that would eventually transform his life to one centered in faith, family, and community. He was active in several churches in and around San Diego throughout his life, spending his final years at City View Church. He loved greeting parishioners, who were always impressed with his personal charm and genuine warmth. As a church Elder, he was recognized as a great encourager, led prayer breakfasts, and served on the Missions Board for many years. His devotion to faith and the church community will endure well into the future.
Bill embraced life to the fullest. In addition to his church activities, Bill loved to have fellowship with his family and friends, regularly hosting parties at his home where he skillfully played the piano, good-naturedly competed in family games like “Scum” and “Bocce Ball,” and heartily enjoyed good food. He was a member of the National City Kiwanis Club and Apartment Association for many years where he made and maintained life-long friendships. Finally, he was very proud of his family heritage and maintained close and lasting relationships with his many Lithuanian cousins abroad. Bill and Karen even visited his Lithuanian relatives on a number of occasions as they traveled the world, appreciating the life they had earned.
Bill loved and was loved. He will be sorely missed by many.
The Visitation will be held on Friday, February 26, 2021 at El Camino Memorial-Sorrento Valley at the Chapel of the Bells from 10:00am-11:00 am. The Funeral Services will be held on Friday, February 26, 2021 at El Camino Memorial-Sorrento Valley at the Chapel of the Bells at 11:00 am. Burial to follow at El Camino Memorial Park in the Loma Siesta section.
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