William James “Bill” Work, age 82, of Adrian, died Sunday evening, February 9, 2025, at his home, surrounded by his loving family and caregivers. He was born December 27, 1942 in Vandergrift, PA, to the late Carl and Pearl (Conner) Work.
Bill proudly served his country as a member of the United States Army. He enlisted on August 7, 1960, worked as a combat engineer and a demolition expert in Germany, and earned the rank of Private First Class before honorable discharge three years later on August 7, 1963.
He married the former Nancy Ellen Cowen on June 24, 1978, in Adrian. They lovingly raised two daughters and were blessed with 46 years together before her passing on September 11, 2024.
Bill worked for many years at the former Tecumseh Corrugated Box company. A member of Alcoholics Anonymous since 1973, Bill paid forward his achieved 52 years of sobriety by helping others as a counselor in drug and alcohol abuse at several local medical centers until his retirement in 2008 from Saline Hospital. He also volunteered as a driver for the Lenawee County Department of Aging. In his spare time, he enjoyed riding motorcycle and was an avid fan of the Detroit Red Wings and University of Michigan football. He greatly enjoyed attending the sporting events of his grandkids, who were his pride and joy.
Bill is survived by his two daughters, Michelle (James) Haynes and Kimberly (Buck) McGraw; four grandchildren, Alisha Cosme`, Chelsea (Jose Amaro) Haynes, Haley Haynes and Austin (Analis Floyd) Reynard; a great-granddaughter, Kailani; and his beloved canine companion, Bingo. He was preceded in death by his parents; wife; brothers, Glenn (Eva) Work and Don (Barbara) Work; and sisters, Dorothy (Thomas) Hamilton and Patricia (Don) Hildebrand.
The family will receive friends for visitation at the Anderson-Marry Funeral Home, Adrian, on Monday, February 17, 2025, from 2:00 – 7:00 p.m. A funeral service for Bill will be held at the funeral home on Tuesday, February 18, at 11:00 a.m. with military rites performed by the Adrian American Legion Post 97. Burial will follow in Hunt Cemetery in Madison Township.
Attendees are asked to honor Bill by wearing patriotic or military attire, or Redwings or U of M gear.
Memorial contributions can be made to the family who will designate an appropriate charity to honor Bill. Friends can express sympathies to the family online by visiting the tribute wall at www.andersonfuneralservices.com. Arrangements have been made with the guidance of the Anderson-Marry Funeral Home, Adrian.