He was born July 18, 1936, in Elyria, Ohio to Paul H. and Ruth E. Mortimer, the oldest of three boys. On August 17, 1997, he married Michele Aleshire, and she survives. Bill was a proud 1959 University of Michigan graduate where he earned his BSME and later earned his MBA from Michigan State University in 1960. Bill had been employed for 14 years as sales manager for Brazeway Manufacturing until 1992. He then became President of Metro Trailer Mfg. in Romulus, retiring in 1997. He was a longtime supporter of the Lenawee County American Red Cross, serving on the board of directors for fifteen years and as chairman of the board for two years. He was a member of the Congregational Church of Birmingham UCC and attended the First United Methodist Church in Adrian.
Bill was a man of many interests. In his younger years, he was a pilot and owned 2 airplanes and a hot air balloon. He enjoyed riding his Harley-Davidson motorcycles, photography, scuba diving, skiing, boating, and his 1972 Corvette. He was an avid skier and served on the National Ski Patrol at Pine Knob in Clarkston, MI, and for a brief period was a volunteer fireman. His fondest memories are of family ski vacations in Vail, Colorado.
In addition to his wife, Michele, he is survived by a son, Michael (Cindy) Mortimer of Saline, MI; a daughter, Lee Ann (John) Maloney of Troy, MI; a brother, Thomas (Beth) Mortimer of Bolton, CT; stepdaughters, Lesley (Steve) Sanders of Louisville, KY; Kristin Aleshire of Chicago, IL; five grandchildren, Jessica and Samantha Maloney, Maxwell (Marissa) Mortimer, Mason Mortimer and Abigail Sanders. He was preceded in death by his parents and his brother, David.
A memorial gathering will be held on Saturday, November 2, 2024, from 1:00-3:00 p.m. at Wagley Funeral Home, Adrian with a memorial service beginning at 3:00 p.m. in the funeral home.
In lieu of flowers, please consider a memorial contribution to the Adrian First United Methodist Church or to the Lenawee County Humane Society.
Arrangements have been entrusted to Wagley Funeral Home, Adrian, and online condolences and memories may be shared at www.WagleyFuneralHomes.com.
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