Bill served in the U.S. Navy from 1945 - 1960 as a naval aviator on several aircraft carriers. He graduated Cass Technical High School, Wayne State University, Chrysler Institute of Technology and University of Detroit earning Masters Degrees in Engineering and Business and Finance. He retired from General Motors design staff in 1986 and divided his time between homes in Madison Heights and Gaylord. He was a master woodworker who loved working in his workshop making gifts for his loved ones.