William H. Marsh, “Bill”, went to be with the Lord on Monday, March 15 after a long battle with Alzheimer’s disease.
Bill grew up in Cuyahoga Falls, Ohio and went to Akron University where he received a degree in engineering. He interned with General Tire while in college, was later hired, and worked there for his entire career before retiring as Director of Engineering. Bill quickly realized that retirement was not for him so he pursued his lifelong passion of fitness and became a personal trainer. Bill eventually retired a second time from Gaston College’s fitness center. Bill was also an army veteran who was stationed in Korea during the Vietnam War.
Bill married Jenny on July 8, 1977 and gained 2 more daughters. Bill came to his marriage with two daughters, Stephanie (Fred) Larson and Amy (Ed) Stadicar. He was a devoted father who accepted the challenge of 2 more daughters, Kimberly Perkins and Kristy Smith. Bill adopted Kim and Kristy and raised them as his own. Bill and Jenny moved to Charlotte in 1995 when General Tire moved their corporate headquarters from Akron.
Bill loved cars and would be found hand washing them every weekend. They were always manual transmission cars that allowed for only him to drive them (which he secretly loved!) He also loved music and we always knew when he was home because we could hear the music blaring from his car when he pulled into the garage. Even with a one-car garage, Bill’s car “owned” the coveted spot.
Bill loved football and nascar. Jenny would either sit reading while Bill watched tv, or sneak upstairs to where she had bought her own tv and could watch her Hallmark movies.
Bill and Jenny met dancing and this pastime would play an important part in their lives for years to come. They danced weekly in Ohio with friends at the Red Lantern Barn and here in the Carolinas with Buck’s Country Dancers. Like all things in Bill’s life, he was a perfectionist and wanted to be the best dancer on the dance floor. He was the leader in their dancing relationship and could not understand when Jenny was unable to guide him. Jenny loved to dance, but often struggled with the steps. Bill would show much frustration with her when they didn’t glide across the floor with the proper moves. They danced until Bill was unable to remember the moves he loved so much.
Bill was a member of Epiphany Lutheran Church here in South Carolina and Peace Lutheran Church in Canton, Ohio. His faith was important to him and he served faithfully in various capacities. While at Peace Lutheran, Bill enjoyed ushering, participating in Sunday School, and serving breakfast on Easter morning after the sunrise service. He was also church treasurer for many years and would meet weekly with his good friend, Terry Slutz, to count the offering and manage the church budget. We like to think that he and Terry are reunited again counting money in heaven.
Bill leaves his wife Jenny, four daughters, eight grandchildren - Madisyn, Troy, Sawyer, Lincoln, Abby, Gwen, Lilly, and Sophia, and two grandpups - Roxy and Diesel.
The family would like to thank Hospice of Fort Mill for their love and care for Bill these past few months. These health care providers are truly angels here on earth and we are so grateful for all who have touched our lives.
The family will hold a private family service in the weeks to come.
In lieu of flowers, please make donations to Hospice of Fort Mill, 1057 Red Ventures Dr. Suite 150, Fort Mill, SC 29707 or Epiphany Lutheran Church, 2370 West Main Street, Rock Hill, SC 29732.
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