Bill grew up amid the rolling hills and winding roads of West Virginia and carried a lifelong appreciation for those roots. He later left for Ohio and Pennsylvania to work, building a long and steady career at the Crucible Steel Mill. Shortly after beginning that career, he was drafted into the United States Army and served his country with pride.
In 1953 he married the love of his life, Darelene (Pridemore) McCallister. Together they raised four children and made their home in East Liverpool, Ohio, for thirty years. Upon retirement, Bill realized a long-held dream by settling in Spring Hill, Florida, then a quiet retirement community. He worked for several years with Maronda Homes as the area grew and developed. In his free time, he especially enjoyed fishing and boating.
Bill was a proud member of the American Legion, the Shriners and was a 32nd degree Mason. He stayed involved in these organizations throughout the years.
He was preceded in death by his parents, his sister Shirley Mullins, and his niece Debbie McCormick. He is survived by his devoted wife of 73 years, Darelene; daughters Cena Diltz (Jim) and Sherry Andrews (Tom); sons David McCallister (Toni) and John McCallister (Erin Sorensen); and niece Karen Graley. He is also survived by grandchildren Tifani Ruck (Brandon), Rachelle McCallister (Tony Teri), Nathan McCallister (Christina), Joshua McCallister (Maeghan), Leslie Athmer (Brian), Adam Diltz (Ashton), and Tyler Diltz (Sydney); fifteen great-grandchildren; and many nieces and nephews and their families.
A military service will be held in Bushnell at a later date.
Memorial donations may be made to Hospice or to the Williams Syndrome Association at www.williams-syndrome.org.
