William "Bill" Halifax, Jr.

It is with great sadness that the family of William "Bill" Arthur Halifax, Jr., announce his passing on January 11, 2013 after a 10 year battle with Alzheimer's and Parkinson's. He was born to the late William and Irene Halifax on November 13, 1932, in Minden City, Michigan. He was the ninth child of sixteen. Bill is survived by his loving wife of 57 years, Paula "Sue" Hamilton. They were married on May 28, 1955, at South Park Baptist Church in Port Huron, Michigan. He is also survived by his children, Cynthia (Derk Bosch) Halifax of Muskegon, MI; Shirley (Harold) Roskoski of Shawnee Hills, OH; Christine (Douglas) Minguski of Novi, MI; William (Susan) Halifax III of Douglasville, GA; Sherry (Jeffery) Campbell of Marysville, MI; and Paula Halifax of Kansas City, MO. His grandchildren, Charles (fiancée Emily Coffey) Crandall II, Cayla (fiancé Stephen Archambault) Crandall, Corey Roskoski, Caitlin Roskoski, LaJuan (Abigail) Larkin, Chelsea (Austin) Bowers, Lauren Halifax, Brenden Campbell, and Breanna Campbell. His great granddaughter, Sophia Grace Bowers, born January 8, 2013, was a celebration for the family during Bill's final days. He will also be missed by Kiyoko "Kiyo" Nishino, his exchange student daughter that held a special place in his heart. In addition, he is survived by his siblings, Betty Smith, Jean Wilson, Jack (Mary Ann) Halifax, Robert Halifax, Mary Lou (Gerald) Kramer, Richard (Linda) Halifax, Carol (Michael) Ireland, Charles (Barbara) Halifax; his sisters-in-law, June Halifax, Violet (James) Darling; along with many nieces and nephews. He was preceded in death by his siblings, Ralph Halifax, George "Howard" (Virginia) Halifax, Helen Winkle, Gerald Halifax, Gordan (Rhea) Halifax, Ruth Ann Halifax, Marjorie Halifax; and his brothers-in-law, Krestyn Smith and Erwin "Wayne" Wilson. Bill was respected and admired by his family and community. While his formal education stopped at eighth grade, his thirst for bettering himself and learning new things did not stop there. He worked on his family's farm until he turned 18, when he left Minden City for Port Huron. He started working for Grand Trunk Western Railroad that same day. Throughout his 42 years there, he continued to learn new things, including how to type as well as early computer systems until he worked his way to Chief Clerk Timekeeper, the position he held until his retirement. Bill served in the U.S. Army from 1953-1955, surviving the Korean War. Bill was also a volunteer fireman for the Kimball Township Fire Department for 25 years, holding the position of Assistant Chief for many of those years. Bill studied diligently with his children to prepare for his EMT certification, passing it on his first attempt (a feat of which he was particularly proud). Even after retirement from the Kimball Township Fire Department, he chose to serve his community by being a member of the Fire Administrative Board. Throughout his life, Bill stayed actively involved in other ways. He served as President of Kimball Township Little League and managed his son's team as well as President of the United Community Federal Credit Union's Board of Directors. Bill's commitment to involvement continued. After retiring from Grand Trunk, he also volunteered his time by driving the van for Disabled American Veterans taking veterans to the VA Hospitals in Yale and Detroit. Bill stressed the importance of family and always put them first. Bill could usually be found in his garden during the summer months, often sharing vegetables and strawberries with friends and neighbors. He loved being outside and staying busy. He enjoyed deer hunting as well as traveling. Visitation will be 5-9 p.m. Thursday and 12-3 & 5-9 p.m. Friday in the Marysville Funeral Home. Kimball Township Firefighters will hold a memorial service at 7 p.m. Friday evening. Funeral services will be at 11 a.m. Saturday in the Marysville Funeral Home. The Reverend Ralph Barteld will officiate. Burial will be in Riverlawn Cemetery. Military honors will be conducted by St. Clair County Allied Veteran's Council. His sons-in-law and grandsons will be pallbearers. Donations can be made to the Alzheimer's Association Greater Michigan Chapter or Kimball Township Fire Department's Auxiliary Board. Bill's family wishes to express a deep appreciation to Dr. Anil Patel as well as the entire staff in the Alzheimer's unit at Marwood Nursing Home for their care and dedication to his well being during his five year stay.