William B.

Was blessed into peace on the morning of August 4th, 2006 joining his beloved wife Jeanie. They are together now with their family and friends who left before them. We are certain they are all dancing to the sounds of Big Bands and celebrating being reunited. William was born on January 24th, 1920 at 1438 South Boston Street in Tulsa, Oklahoma, the youngest child and only son of Charles Lyman and Clara Louise Day. He had three sisters, Collette, Francis and Mary Louise. His fondest memories were of his childhood years in Tulsa. At age 15 his family moved to Little Genesee, NY where he attended Bolivar Central School. He graduated from Mohonk in New Paltz, NY and studied Business Administration. From 1941 to 1945 he served in the Navy in the South Pacific during WW II. It was during this time he met his wife of 62 years on a blind date at a USO dance on Valentines Day. They were married July 11, 1943. After WW II he joined the Army, where he served until being honorably discharged in 1955. His last employment was at the A & P plant in Horseheads, NY where he worked for 17 years until the plant closed. A devoted father he would often say his greatest success in life was his family. Loving him still are his five children, Sunnie Day Griswold of Canisteo, Mary Louise Day-Starr of Springfield, Tennessee, Jackie Day of Bandon, Oregon and Elizabeth (Ed Kenny) Day of Elmira. His nine grandchildren: Bryce, Rebecca, Darin, Matthew, Jason, Sunnie, Bodie, Emmy and Mayrose along with six great grandchildren, Skylar, Jared, Tyler, Logan, Hattie and Grace. Bill was a man of strong convictions and warm character. He loved his country and was proud to have served in the military. He was a compassionate and dedicated supporter of animal rescue causes, childrens organizations, and USO projects. He often called on Saint Anthony and believed in Paying It Forward by extending help when he could. His hobbies included a love of dancing, collecting music of his era, taking home movies, model trains, sharing family history and reading Oz with his children. Through his struggles at the end he was able to maintain his sense of humor and bring laughter to those who loved him most. To all those who helped with his care he wanted to give a special thanks. There were many of you along the way, especially Linda, Sharon, Connie, Rebecca, Veronica, Brian, John and Warren, Mary Ann and Lori, and Debbie. The warmth and caring you brought into our home will always be remembered. A celebration of Bills life along with Military Honors that will be accorded him will take place at a date and time to be announced at a later date. Arrangements have been entrusted to the Olthof Funeral Home, Inc. 1050 Pennsylvania Ave. Elmira, NY. A Candle of Remembrance may be left for his family in obituaries at www.olthof.com