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Bill Elam Obituary
Memories and Condolences
for Bill Elam
70 Entries
Carolyn Brewster
December 25, 2010
I am so sorry to hear of your dad's passing. He was such a sweetheart. God Bless.
Tammy Wade
September 21, 2010
I am wishing you all my deepest sympothy for your loss. My family has know you guys for years and Bill will be missed. Faye, Lisa, Jimmy and Bill Jr you all have the best memories and you will carry trhem in your hearts forever. Love you Bill. Love the Wade Family
helen hensley
August 30, 2010
I would just like to say I'm very sorry for your loss. He will be sadley missed by all who knew him..You are in our thoughts and Prayers..The Hensleys
Bronwyn Leilani (Graham) Duteil
August 30, 2010
I was four years old and lived near the center of town, in Centerville. It was such a joy to walk to Bill's Donut Shop as a little girl. I remember being allowed to go back and watch how the donuts were made. Thank you Mr. Elam, for being so kind to a nosy little girl :0) Coming home as an adult, having my own family meant that we could enjoy Bill's donuts as I did when I was young. My son was four when he was invited back in the kitchen. He too was thrilled, and today as a middle schooler, loves visiting Bill's. From quick stops, to classroom, Cub & Boy Scout treats, your pretzel twists have spread smiles across beaming faces. You have made many people here in our town very happy, spoiling us with the best donuts on the planet.
God Bless your family and friends. Mr. Elam must be the most popular guy up in Heaven! :0)
Emogean Bowman perry
August 27, 2010
So sad to here about Bill's passing My mother Ader Bowman loved him and his familey Dearly.
Emogean Bowman-Perry
August 27, 2010
So sad to here about Bill's passing My mother Ader Bowman loved him and his familey Dearly.
Emogean Bowman-Perry
August 22, 2010
My wife and I used to eat doughnuts at Bills next to the shop by the Town Hall in Centerville. Bills favorite waitress , Wanda, used to serve doughnuts to us.
John & Barbara Moraites
8040 Brainard Woods
Centerville
mcb
August 21, 2010
Such a sad day for the family but but such a glorious day for heaven!!! I always got donuts when the shop was on East Third. When it was moved to Centerville it was harder for me to get to. Maybe once every two or three months I would drive out to Centerville, then I started working out there and frequented the shop once a week. I live North and still get to the shop about once a month. Keep up the good work at the shop.
Sharon Kreitzer
August 20, 2010
Our family frequently visited Bill's Donut Shop on East Third St. in Dayton, and especially my father, a Dayton police officer. Then as we moved south of Dayton, to Centerville, we were glad to find Bill's shop there too. Many fine memories, and the best donuts in the world. Bill was a great guy, and he will be missed by many.
Gloria VanAlstine
August 20, 2010
Dear family and friends of "Bill's" As you all know my Dad, Darrill Hawks and his wife Marcie were long time Bill's fans. Everytime they came to visit us in Ann Arbor Mi he brought us donuts and a special sprinkle donut for my daughter Stephanie, now 21. Please accept my condolences - with my Dad's funeral just a 11 days ago - I know the sadness you feel. Bill's Donut shop is the fabric of Centerville for so many. I will be back in to see all of you. Love Gloria
Lorin Dixon
August 20, 2010
Flying back to Dayton, I always looked forward to hanging out at the donut shop with my dad, Charlie Dixon. The time I spent in the donut shop was a real treat. Didn't know Mr. Elam (Bill) personally, but had heard nothing but great things about him. I am deeply sorry for your loss and he will be truly missed. God Bless your family during these times and always.
August 19, 2010
You and your family have our deepest sympathy. You are in our prayers
Kay and Mike Dugan
Lisa Popp
August 19, 2010
I have the best memories of coming to the shop in the center of town as a kid growing up in Centerville. Friends of ours, from out of town, would specifically request at trip to Bill's ever time they came to visit. I later had the opportunity to work for Bill. He was a great boss, he loved his friends, his family, and of course, his cigars! I still tell my friends of my days (and nights) working at Bill's - great memories.
Faye, you are the definition of a wife, working side by side with Bill, raising 3 wonderful children, and taking the best care of Bill over the last few years.
Bill's kids loved their dad, and spent so much time helping their dad's dream become everything that it meant to our entire community. Bill, Lisa, and Jimmy - be proud of your dad and just continue to share your memories of him with all of us.
Your family is in my thoughts and prayers.
Cindy Williams
August 19, 2010
Our prayers are with you in your time of loss. May you feel comforted in the fact that your husband and father had so many friends and will be remembered in the community as someone who gave his very best. Cindy & Dawn
August 19, 2010
We are so sorry to hear about your loss. You are in our prayers and thoughts.
Mary Beth and Reagann Hughes
Rebecca Kizer
August 19, 2010
I am so sorry to hear about Bill. I didn't know him but I have heard the great stories about him. It takes a special person to touch so many lives and your dad was that person. May God Bless you in your time of grief.
Deborah
August 19, 2010
He gave us comfort with the donut and a family place to go when our spirits needed a lift. May you have peace knowing that he made a difference in many lives!
August 18, 2010
Our thoughts and prayers are with Jim, Lisa and their families
Bob and Taylor Tillotson
Julie & Terry Carolus
August 18, 2010
Our deepest sympathies to Faye, Jimmy, Lisa Bill and your families. We have many great memories spending time at Bills.
Jessica Carolus-Heeran
August 18, 2010
I've known Bill & his family most of my life when my parents and I started going into Bill's back in 1985. To hear of Bill's death, breaks my heart. I moved away from ohio 5 years ago and everytime I come home for a visit, I make it a point to stop in and get donuts & say hi.
Growing up my mother would bring me into Bill's almost every evening to do my homework and I continued the tradition once I started driving in high school and even did my college studying while at Bills.
My deepest sympathies Faye, Jimmy, Lisa and Bill.
Rest in peace Bill and may your legacy live on.
Ron Alt
August 18, 2010
Bill was one of my dearest friends. I worked with Bill on several of his shops including " The Shop ".The man was as Good As They Made Them."He loved to hunt and fish from Florida to Canada.I'll miss him.
Jim Elam
August 18, 2010
May the good lord bless you all on this lost.I vist his shop on east 3rd. st. when growing up and he was a kind heart person.God bless you all. Jim Elam
Peggy (Morgan) Kiebach
August 18, 2010
May the wonderful memories of your life together give you comfort during the days to come. Sorry for you loss Faye, Lisa, Bill and Jim. Rest in peace Bill
Frank Giammarinaro
August 18, 2010
I new Bill and his family for many years. While working for the City of Centerville, I took time to work in Bill's Donuts. I wanted to learn the business, so I could have an enterprising business like Bill's one day. I worked for nothing. My pay was to learn every thing I could from Bill. He was a great man and I liked him very much. I moved to California 22 years ago and I have visited Bill's every time we came back to Dayton. I will miss him. Heaven will be a little sweeter with him. To Lisa and Faye, I offer my deepest sympathy.
August 18, 2010
I new Bill and his family for many years. While working for the City of Centerville, I took time to work in Bill's Donuts. I wanted to learn the business, so I could have an enterprising business like Bill's one day. I worked for nothing. My pay was to learn every thing I could from Bill. He was a great man and I liked him very much. I moved to California 22 years ago and I have visited Bill's every time we came back to Dayton. I will miss him. Heaven will be a little sweeter with him. To Lisa, I offer my deepest sympathy.
December 31, 2009
August 18, 2010
Jenifer Thomas
August 18, 2010
It will be the little things that you will remember,the quiet moments,
the smiles, the laughter. And although it may seem hard right now,it will be the memories of these little things that help to push away the pain and bring the smiles back again. Bill's Donuts is a staple in the Centerville Community and loved by many. Best Wishes to his family.
Kristin Wehde
August 18, 2010
I have been a customer for 20 years (starting as a young girl with my parents) and Bill's Donut Shop was always the meeting place for my friends and I growing up. Now, most of them have moved away...but whenever they come back to town we ALWAYS meet up at Bill's Donuts for a reunion. Bill has left behind a legacy greater than he'll ever know and will be missed by many! Wishing strength and love for the family at this time. Rest in Peace.
Bill Earman
August 18, 2010
Dear Lisa,
Bill and I were very sorry to read about the passing of your Dad. We know that you have the thoughts and prayers of many but want add ours. We are in FL almost permanently now but really miss the family at Far Hills. We hope that you and Newton are well and know that you will find solace in the Lord.
Bill and Gail Earman
Kelli Doherty
August 18, 2010
My deepest sympathy goes out to your family. Ive known Taylor Elam for a coulpe of years now and I feel for you all. God Bless
Brandon Bowen
August 18, 2010
Our family would like to give you our deepest sympathies and condolences in your difficult time. Thank you for giving us the people of Centerville and the surrounding areas the sweetest part o our mornings. God Bless you The Bowens
Barb Hernandez (Scherer)
August 18, 2010
Jim sorry to hear of your fathers passing. My thoughts and prayers are with your family.
Lisa Meadows
August 18, 2010
my thoughts and prayers are with your family during this time.May the love of God,famiy, and friends and remembrance of good times give you comfort and strength.
Jenny
August 18, 2010
I have many fond memories of Bill's Donuts. My sister and I would skip church and go to the service at "St. Bill's". You will be missed
Jenny
August 18, 2010
I have many fond memories of Bill's Donuts. My sister and I would go to Bill's every Sunday morning instead of going to church. We referred to it as "going to the St. Bill's service"
Theresa Cook
August 18, 2010
Since I can remember, my dad would take me to Bill's. 32 years later, I now take my kids and my dad takes them too. I remember when I was a student at Stingley, we took a field trip to Bill's and Bill himself showed us the ropes. He never closed that door to the kitchen and every weekend, I'd say hello as I walked by with my dad. I moved away in the 7th grade and returned at the age of 23 and was tickled to see Bill's still opened and untouched. Though Bill may be gone in body, he will forever be in our hearts in spirit. For not one person in the area has not been touched by him in some way, shape or form. God Bless you and your family in this time of sorrow. Thank you Bill for the memories since 1979.
August 18, 2010
Faye, Been a long time. Sorry to hear about your loss. But the memories you two made together will help in the coming weeks. My daughter was 6 weeks old last time I saw you and Bill at the Donut Shop. Now she is almost 27. I remember coming to work and there would be Bill in his apron smoking a cigar and laughing. Had many a good times working at the shop. We have a donut shop here in town, but nothing compared to Bill's Donut shop. Lisa, Jim and Bill you probably don't remember me, but I remember you all. Sorry for your loss. Keep his legacy alive and in good standing. Peggy (Morgan) Kiebach, Sierra Vista, AZ.
The Lloyds
August 18, 2010
May these words of sympathy comfort you now and in the days ahead. Thoughts and prayers.
Daniel Anderson
August 17, 2010
im sorry for your loss Faye and family. I had the pleasure of working for Bill back in the 70s it was where i met and married my wife Linda . i remember all the police officers coming by late at night and enjoying Bills fresh donuts . Im sorry we didnt stay in touch . God bless your family at this time
Bill Elam May 2010
Cherie Elam
August 17, 2010
Kay Judd Stapleton
August 17, 2010
When I was a child and Bill opened his first donut shop, my parent would go there on Friday and Saturday nights to help him make donuts. As you can imagine the weekends were the busiest times for Bill and Faye. They needed a little bit of help. I slept in a lawn chair in the back where the donuts were made. I will never forget the smell of those wonderful donuts. I moved to Florida more than 20 years ago but every time I come home to Dayton Ohio I go to Bill's for donuts. I make sure I go there several times each trip. Bill and Faye worked long and hard for many years to have the best donuts in town. Bill worked out each and every receipt. Some people do not know that. I am very glad their children decided to keep the shop going. I will always remember Bill and Faye Elam as wonderful, caring people. Faye you take care we all love you.
Cindy Wheatley
August 17, 2010
Lisa, I'm sorry to hear of your father's passing. My thoughts and prayers are with you and your family.
VON CHRISMER
August 17, 2010
Many Many memories from 3rd street to Huber Heights and so on Our thoughts and prayers to Faye and the family. Bill the GREAT MAN.
wanda morgan
August 17, 2010
Bill was a great man to know and work for . U will be missed
Sidney Williams
August 17, 2010
Our family's deepest condolences. Thank you for everything you've added to the community and the daily lives of those who knew you.
August 17, 2010
Bill leaves a legacy like few others. Everyone in this town KNOWS Bill's has the best donuts! It is a family hang out, with friendly people. God Bless your family during this sad time.
August 17, 2010
I am truly sorry for your loss. I don't live in Dayton anymore, but when I get there, Bill's is the place I go frequently.
I also know where to find my dad - every day around 3 p.m. He's at Bill's having coffee and a donut before he goes home for the day. I'm thankful for the wonderful food, and atmosphere that he and his kids provide.
You'll be in my prayers.
John Sachs
August 17, 2010
So sorry to hear of his passing. I have found memories as a child of going to Bill's donuts after church on Sunday.
Jon Whitney
August 17, 2010
I feel in love with donuts as a kid growing up in Centerville (when the store was located next to the Town Hall) thanks to the quality product and the friendliness of Mr. Bill - as us kids would call him. I now take my grandchildren there whenever we are in town to share the memories of a great Dayton tradition. May God bless his family during this season in their lives. But a hearty CHEERS to Bill! The best is yet to come!!
Russ Sweetman Sr
August 17, 2010
Ispoke to Bill on a daily basis for over many decades..he always had a smile and a good word for all. his shop was my refuge to spenf a quite minute. May peace be with you Bill Elam and may you be at the right hand of God.
Sherri (Bauer) Arbisi
August 17, 2010
I have known Bill and his kids for years although I haven't seen any of them since moving to Florida 16 years ago. Bill was a great guy! My sympathies to the family. And ,of course, I still have my Bill's coffee mug displayed on the top of my kitchen cabinets.
Bill Carter
August 17, 2010
No bond is as great as that between a parent and child. My deepest condolences are with you as you grieve.
Patrick Ryan
August 17, 2010
Every time I come back to Centerville I buy a box of Bill's Donuts. My father took me there many times as a little boy back in the 1970's. I remember the location up in the center of town near Main/Franklin. He was a great person and always remember the big cigar. I'm sorry for your loss!
Tara Logan
August 17, 2010
Bill,
I am so sorry for your loss. I'll keep you in prayers.
Alex D
August 17, 2010
I became acquainted with the donut shop in college. Myself and several friends made a Sunday morning before church habit of always stopping at Bill's. While the coffee was never much to speak of, the donuts were, without doubt, some of the best donuts I've ever had. I've since left the area but my heart and stomach yearn for another stop at Bill's Donut Shop. RIP Bill.
Patron Longstanding
August 17, 2010
Bill was the most generous person in the world. He helped twin sisters put one another through school and helped one with a wedding that customers from Bill's all attended. He helped others along the way, helping pay for a trailer one worker lived in. He helped with Special Wish and gave anyone who needed help a helping hand and an opportunity to work in his donut shop. His life was more than donuts and coffee, but it was that too. People dropped in just to talk with him when he worked in the shop. His faithful wife Faye also spent countless hours in the back making donuts. The kids grew up in the donut shop. The shop has been a refuge for the recently widowed as well as the the young coming and going from high school and college. People talk to one another in the shop, something Bill encouraged.
Meg Long-Cosby
August 17, 2010
My parents took us to Bill's for years after church on Sundays. I remember when it was in the little building by the hall where centerville had local theater. When I got married and had kids we would come back in to town and the kids always wanted Bill's donuts and I still stop in , they are the best donuts.
Anthony H.
August 17, 2010
Peace be with you...didn't know Bill personally, but have had your legendary donuts many times.
Dave Gray
August 17, 2010
The passing of another great Centerville icon. We lived there many years and now in our NC retirement I tell people down here they haven't tasted a great donut until they go to Bills.
It was always good to see Bill at the counter as he was last time we were in Centerville. Here's to you Bill!
victoria link
August 17, 2010
Thank you for all your wonderful donuts. Such a nice gentleman.
Victoria Link
Colleen Dawson
August 17, 2010
I am very sorry about your father/husband. Bills Donuts has always been a family tradition for us. My Mom, who spent many years bringing us Bills Donuts often, died unexpectedly last year and I continue to visit and eat at Bills Donuts with my little kids to remember her and be thankful for my memories of your store and my Mom. It is because of your father that we ever had the tradition. I am thankful to your father for it. My sincerest condolences to the entire family.
victoria link
August 17, 2010
So sorry for your loss but as long as Bill's if there we still will buy our donuts there.
The Link's
Scott K
August 17, 2010
I didn't know Bill, but I know his donuts very well. His spirit will live on in his delicious treats. RIP Bill.
August 17, 2010
Your shop has been such a great thing for me and my family. My daughter's favorite place to eat since she was 18 months old has been "Bill's Donuts". Great traditions have been started there. A truly great person will be dearly missed. I thank you and your family for sharing your lives with my family so that we could start a new tradition.
Tom Greenlee
August 17, 2010
Best donuts in the world! A family tradition is dimmed by the loss of a special man...
Gavin McElhany
August 17, 2010
Simply put. Sad day.
John Muth
August 17, 2010
Our thoughts and prayers are with you and your family.
August 17, 2010
Your donut shop is really a part of so many people's lives. I know my friends and I practually lived there when we were in high school... it ment a lot for us to have a local place to go. Thank you so much for all you have done in the community... you will be missed!
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