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William Vopel Obituary
Billy's journey began on December 20, 1942, in Memphis TN. He graduated from Treadwell High School and attended Memphis State University. He married the love of his life Martha Frances Diffee at Grimes Methodist Church on June 3rd, 1962. Billy attended Evangel Church with his wife Martha.
Billy started his career as a draftsman with W.W. Bond Architect. He obtained his architectural license and worked for various companies. He eventually started his own company, "Architecture by Vopel". He developed and designed many Churches and Family Life Centers in and around the Memphis area.
Billy was an avid fisherman and had other interests such as hunting, gardening, and bird watching, as well as being an all-around handy man to his extended family.
Billy was preceded in death by his parents William H. Vopel Sr. and Mary D. Wise, and his sisters June Etheridge of Memphis, and Bernice Huddleston of MS.
Billy is survived by his wife of 61 years, Martha F. Vopel of Memphis, a daughter Terri Raley (Vann) of Collierville, a son William H. Vopel III (Debbie) of Arlington, five grandchildren, and six great-grandchildren.
The family requests donations be given to the Memphis Chapter of the American Heart Association American Heart Association – Memphis
5384 Poplar Avenue
Suite 100
Memphis, TN 38119
901-383-5400
www.heart.org
A visitation for William will be held Monday, January 8, 2024 from 1:00 PM to 2:00 PM at Memphis Funeral Home and Memorial Gardens, 3700 North Germantown Parkway, Bartlett, TN 38133. A funeral service will occur Monday, January 8, 2024 from 2:00 PM to 3:00 PM, 3700 North Germantown Parkway, Bartlett, TN 38133. A committal service will occur Monday, January 8, 2024 from 3:00 PM to 3:30 PM at Memphis Funeral Home & Memorial Gardens, 3700 N Germantown Pkwy, Bartlett, TN 38133.
To plant trees in memory, please visit the Sympathy Store.
Memories and Condolences
for William Vopel
Sponsored by Memphis Funeral Home & Memorial Gardens.
4 Entries
Barbara Spencer
January 7, 2024
Martha, Terri and Billy,
I'm so sorry to hear this sad news. I have so many fond memories growing up in Memphis and having your family so close to us. So many good times. My parents are so sad hearing this news. Lifelong friendships to treasure
Barbara Lang Spencer
Kathy Lang
January 7, 2024
So sorry to hear about Bill. I remember all of the good times our families had together. Lots of laughter. I´ll keep all of you in my prayers.
Jim and Rosemary Taylor
January 6, 2024
Martha and family please know you are in our prayers. Billy was a very special friend and will be greatly missed. Love Jim and Rosemary Taylor
Dennis
January 6, 2024
What a great guy and what a great friend he was. Billy was always ready to have fun. When a volleyball game broke out at family reunions he was always the first in.
Billy designed our home addition and when we started a business he designed Camp Bow Wow. For those things I am forever grateful.
Maybe he never knew it but I valued his wisdom and his way of imparting it. He was someone I looked up to and admired. I will miss him forever and never forget him, his values, his generosity and his tremendous addition to our family.
So saddened and always eternally grateful. What a guy!
I extend my deepest sympathies to Martha, Bill III, and Terri, as well as Vann, Debbie, grandchildren and great-grandchildren, Lillie, Dot, Connie and Cindy.
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Memorial Events
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Memphis Funeral Home & Memorial Gardens3700 North Germantown Parkway, Bartlett, TN 38133
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