
To plant trees in memory, please visit the Sympathy Store.
Henry R. Kelly Sr.
December 16, 2023
My dear colleague and friend, Bill. Forever in my memories and heart.
Henry Kelly
Henry R. Kelly Sr.
December 16, 2022
A decade doesn't diminish the loss, memories and kindness of my dear friend and colleague, Bill Tinkler.
Henry Kelly
Tanisha Miller
December 16, 2020
On this anniversary,to the family your still in my prayers. Rest easy mr Tinkler
Henry Kelly
December 16, 2020
Joyce and Family,
I miss Bill like yesterday. The many memories of his friendship are forever embeded in my heart and soul.
Much Love,
Henry Kelly
Craig Kelly
December 29, 2012
My prayers are with you and my God continue to keep you under his wing.Peace and blessing.
Rosemary Palmquist
January 16, 2013
Bill Tinkler was my beloved Principal when I taught at Roosevelt Junior High. It was both his first year there and mine. He was a wonderful leader and innovator who looked for the personal best in everyone, from the wiggliest kindergartener to the staunchest "old guard" faculty member. I respected him for his integrity, his vision, his faith and his drive. Improving the quality of life for his students was uppermost in all Bill did. Bill's smile could light up a room. His dignity made people feel taller.
Bill inspired me to overlook the negative and embrace the positive in all I did. As my career progressed and I was occasionally disappointed in the leadership around me, I had only to picture Bill and think of what he'd say to regain my perspective.
When I last spoke with Bill he said softly that he didn't expect to live a long life, "but that's okay, that's all right." He seemed peaceful. We talked about what he'd done over the past 20 years, about the national recognition and award he won as Principal of the Year, about later adjusting his career expectations to his health. He was very centered and thoughtful.
To the Tinkler family I offer my deepest sympathy. But I know you'll carry within you the example of the finest person you'll ever know. Bill's memory will sustain you. His voice will guide you. His values will infuse the choices you make in life.
Bill's life on earth is over but his gifts remain.
Randy Abrams
December 31, 2012
May the God of hope give you rest for your heart, peace for your soul and a deep sense of comfort from every prayer lifted for you during this time. With sympathy and prayers.
takesha turner
December 29, 2012
to the family at there time of sorrow MR TINKLER was one of the greastest man u can ever meet the only person i know to come to marina village to check up on his students he will be sadly missed..
Kathy Levette
December 29, 2012
To the Tinkler family, May God comfort you in your time of grief.
LaTasha Brown
December 29, 2012
Thank you Mr. Tinkler for everything you taught me, I walk tall ,I stand tall, I treat people ,the way I want to be treated this is what you taught us every day, God bless you
December 29, 2012
Jerome Rose
Marcia Helms
December 29, 2012
PRAYING FOR THE FAMILY IN YOU HOUR OF YOUR LOSS. MAY GOD BLESS YOU ALL! LOVE
Darnel Hatton
December 29, 2012
RIP Mr. Tinkler, very very good person, you will be missed.
Fern Holloway
December 29, 2012
My sincere sympathy to Mrs.Tinkler and family
Craig Kelly
December 29, 2012
My prayers are with you and may God continue keep you under his wing. Peace and blessings.
Rob Avery
December 28, 2012
Joyce, Michelle and family
Our thoughts and prayers are with you. We have so many fond memories of Bill from Bethel Church as we admired that he was such a family man and role model. I, Rob as a child would hop the fence at Central High School to watch him play for the Bridgeport Jets.
May God's grace comfort you at this time.
Rob, Elaine Avery and family
B. Anderson
December 28, 2012
In the words of Mr. Tinkler, "I am somebody." May God bless and comfort Mr. Tinkler's family and friends.
Anita Turks-Hunter
December 28, 2012
My heartfelt sympathy goes out to Bill's immediate family and his siblings & other relatives as well.His sister,Wille, was my daughter's very capable Pre School teacher. As a former classmate at Morgan State University,although I had not seen him in years, I am not surprised at hearing of his outstanding career as educator & principal.I remember "Bill" as a quiet but focused gentleman when others were "overly animated" & unfocused! He was an outstanding football player and one of the quieter Kappa bros.:) I'm sure he'll be missed.
Edna Rivas
December 27, 2012
The best principal ever, I can only hope that my boys will have someone like Mr. Tinkler to look up to in their school as they grow in this world. I remember sitting in the cafeteria, he would walk in and it would get so quiet you can hear a pin drop. He would then raise his hand and say repeat after me, "I am somebody." Those words never left me, and for that I thank you Mr. Tinkler. This man was truly genuine and memorable. May you rest in peace.
HAZEL HARDEN-NWOSU
December 27, 2012
TO MRS. TINKLER AND FAMILY,
I HAD THE GREAT OPPORTUNITY TO MEET MR. T. AS A SUBSTITUTE TEACHER PRIOR TO RECEIVING CERTIFICATION. HE WAS AIWAYS CONCERN ABOUT THE WELFARE OF HIS 'CHILDREN' IN SCHOOL AND OUT OF SCHOOL,AND OF HIS TEACHERS, AND ALL THAT KNEW HIM. FAMILY, YOU ARE TRULY BLESSED TO HAVE SUCH A MAN IN YOUR LIVES AND TO SHARE HIM WITH MANY OTHERS.HE HAD A HEART OF GOLD AND BROUGHT A SPECIAL KIND OF 'WEALTH TO ALL THAT HE MET. I PRAY THAT GOD WILL COMFORT AND BRING PEACE TO YOU.
OTHER STAFF.HEHAD A HEART OF GOLD,BRINGING A SPECIAL KIND OF 'WEALTH' TO ALL THAT KNEW HIM. FAMILY, YOU ARE TRULY BLESSED BY GOD. ALLOW HIM TO BE YOUR COMFORT.
HAZEL HARDEN NWOSU
December 27, 2012
My sincere sympathy to you and your family,
Joan E. Keogh
Reggie Greene
December 27, 2012
Farewell to the most humble and honest human beings I have ever met. It was an honor to play with you.
December 27, 2012
My thoughts and prayers are with Joyce and the Tinkler children. You can be so proud of Bill; he certainly was a child centered teacher and administrator. In whatever decision he made, he considered the needs of the children. He was always supportive of his teachers and encouraged us to grow and develop every day. He will be missed.
Fran Rabinowitz
Deontra Bush
December 27, 2012
May your family hearts soon be filled with wonderful memories as you celebrate a life well lived. Rest In Peace Mr. Tinkler. SHOW ME!
aisha sewell
December 27, 2012
R.I.P
aisha sewell
December 27, 2012
R.I.P
James Holbrook
December 27, 2012
My condolences go out to the Tinkler Family..Mr. Tinkler was my basketball coach at Waltersville School in the early 70's and we remained close friend since. I will always remember the way you taught me how to be a respectful gentleman...RIP.
James Turk
December 27, 2012
Although I was not in Willam's class , I remember him as a very kind and friendly person . He was quite a football player and could run a pattern like Paul Warfield ( of the Cleveland Browns). In another time he would have been one of the great wide receivers in the NFL .
lori thompson
December 27, 2012
Rip to the best principal there was enjuy yur life in heaven me tinkler u will be missed
l p
December 27, 2012
RIP Mr Tinkler...u were/r the best principal Bpt has ever seen...they broke the mold with you...whether i was at my best or worst...you always found something to praise me for...3 things I'll remember about you are...show me...Johnny I want my liver...and how you would tell us not to get more food than we could eat because there were children starving in Africa..u were my father figure...u were a blessing here on Earth so i know u r now a blessing in Heaven!
Henry Kelly, Sr.
December 26, 2012
Joyce, Michelle, Scott and
Family,
With heartfelt synpathy, please accept our condolences. God blessed me to first learn of Bill from afar, when he was a Bridgeport Jet. Little did I know that I would also serve as a teacher under his tutelage, when he was an assistant principal. Blessings continued to flow, enabling me to learn from Master Educator/Principal Tinkler, as a fellow administrator, colleague and friend. Bill was a mentor and role model as a caring husband, father, uncle, brother, leader, educator, and a proud, upright man of God.....What a legacy.
We will always love and truly miss him, but cherish the knowledge that he is reaping his eternal rewards in the arms of alminghty God.
With much love,
Henry and Irene Kelly
William Quintana
December 26, 2012
We're sadden by the lost of a great man and a "child-centered" educator and wish to express our deepest sympathy to Joyce and the Tinkler family. I could vividly recall his patience and willingness to spend time with a troubled student, even when the demand for his attention might have been needed in a non-educational setting. May the Lord give us the strength to see children the way he saw them, unpolished instruments of God. It was truly commendable to witness "Mr Tinkler" interacting with the whole school community; he always found time to listen to everyone. God truly has a special place for you.
William & Lourdes Quintana
shaniqwa pettway
December 26, 2012
my heart goes out to the tinkler family my prayers are with you all may god bless you all in a special way, i have known mr.tinkler for many years he was my principal at rosevelt elementry school and he was such a great person with a big heart for everyone and he loved all his students. he was also a very loving person he wanted nothing but the best for all his students and mr.tinkler i thank you for that may your great soul rest in piece i will miss you.
Mary Ellen Hass
December 26, 2012
To the Tinkler family, I worked with Bill at Roosevelt School when he helped us open the first elementary school based health center in the state of CT. What a visionary and what a wonderful man. He truly loved those children as if they were his own. It was an honor to have known and worked with him. My deepest condolences
Stefan Murrah
December 26, 2012
I am sorry to hear of Mr. Tinkler's passing. Although I have not seen him in many, many years, I recall the patience and dedication he had as my coach in Little League in the late 1970s. He was a great coach and a very nice man. My thoughts and prayers are with you Mrs. Tinkler, Michelle, Scott and the rest of the Tinkler family. I am so sorry for your loss.

Paul Langston Jr,
December 26, 2012
Laurie Loveland
December 26, 2012
Condolences to the family of Bill Tinkler. He served on the Monroe Town Council with dignity and presence and it was clear to me that he was a special person. The testament of his impact is evident in his former students' remarks.
Tanya Sheldon
December 26, 2012
To the tinker family. Sorry for your loss mr, tinkler was s very nice guy. I've come to know him in church at bethel a.m.e. church participating in different functions. You maybe gone but not forgotten rest on my friend the last time we seen each was in Beaufort SC at my god-parents house having a good time memorial day weekend. We laughed, talked, danced, ate just fellowship all weekend long. Rest on now for your work is done and god bless the rest of the tinkler family.
December 26, 2012
well done Bill and enjoy the reward
gerald burton and your Dunbar peers, classmates and friends
Angela Cook
December 26, 2012
My Sympathy goes out to the Tinkler family. Mr. Tinkler instilled in me the phrase " I am somebody, I walk tall and I talk tall....". He was a great principal and loved. He is soaring now!
Rasheeda McCullough
December 26, 2012
Mr. Tinkler you were NOT only My principle at Roosevelt School for 8 years you were also my church member at Bethel. I could go on FOREVER about what a Great man, leader and role model you were. I will just pray that I can impact so many lives as you have when I leave this earth. I just want to say. Thank you for your wonderful contribution to My LIFE
Denise Johnson
December 25, 2012
I am so sorry to hear of Mr Tinkler's passing. I remember him when he worked at Columbus School as the Phys Ed teacher years ago. I was a little kid but I could tell he was one of the good guys. I even remember his yellow volkswagon. He was a very kind man. A good role model. May God be with the family thru your time of grief. God Bless
Deborah Herbst
December 25, 2012
Bill hired me for my first teaching job in 1976 at McKinley School. He was all about the kids and touched the lives of so many teachers and students. He will be missed. Joyce and family, please accept my heartfelt sympathy.
Carmen
December 25, 2012
My heartfelt condolences to the Tinkler Family. Mr. Tinkler was my principle at McKinley School and he was the BEST. Always caring and watching out for us. I can remember him being outside every day to make sure we got on the bus safely. You will be missed.
GEORGE & REDELL BRYANT
December 25, 2012
TO THE FAMILY. BILL WAS A DEAR FRIEND AND A LOVING PERSON. I WILL MISS OUR CONVERSATIONS AT TOM AND LOTTIE PLACE ON MEMORIAL DAY WEEKEND IN BEAUFORT, SC. BILL WAS AN EDUCATOR WHO LOVED CHILDREN AND TEACHING. HE WAS AN EXAMPLE OF POSITIVE TEACHING AND LOVE OF CHILDREN. WHILE HE MAY NO LONGER BE WITH US, HIS LEGACY WILL LIVE ON IN THOSE CHILDREN WHO HE TAUGHT. REST IN PEACE BILL, YOUR LABOR IS DONE. I KNOW YOU WILL HEAR FROM THE MASTER, WELL DONE MY GOOD AND FAITHFUL SON, WELL DONE.
The Staff of Spear-Miller Funeral Home
December 26, 2012
Offering our deepest condolences during this time.
December 25, 2012
Mr. Tinkler was a great principle and taught me alot of principles and he will be greatly missed yours truly Jalissa Cooper
Ralphy Torres
December 24, 2012
I send out my prayer I really missed him a lot he was one of the best principle that ever had and you will be miss R.I.P to the best principle ever
Mia DuBose-Pettway
December 24, 2012
My condolences and prayers to the family. Truly Mr. Tinkler was a blessing to the east enders at McKinley for many years. I can recall going to East Side middle school while McKinley was renovated....great times. On 1/13/2012 I seen him at our drs office which I've talked with him in the pass, but this time he recited the "I AM" to my adult children and he encourage to aim high. My children was intrigued by his encouraging words, but they wondered WHY he was reading a S.A.T. vocabulary booklet. He told them, "Knowledge is power and with power doors open!" What a day we had talking about life and how his faith in God is strong and vibrant, because he knew God still had work for him. AMEN! I have and will never forget Mr. Tinkler. Thank you for sharing such a great educator, mentor and father-figure to so many without. My God keep the family with rich memories until the coming of Our Savior. God Bless!
Thalia Peeler
December 23, 2012
Omg I just heard the news. I send out my sincere condolences to the family. Mr. was a well lived and respected principal. I wish the school system had more like him now. He believed in us when we had little or no faith at all in our self. I saw him three years ago we served jury duty together it was nice to see h m and remience on old school days verses now. Mr. Tinkler you forever be remembered
December 23, 2012
Mr. Tinkler you will greatly missed. You were my principal in McKinley School and as an adult whenever you saw me you always acknowledged me as one of your students that made you proud. Well I am proud that I had the opportunity to know you and to have you as a part of my maturing into the person I am today. To the family of the late William Tinkler I pray that you find strength and comfort in our Lord and Saviour Jesus Christ at this difficult time. R.I.P. Mr. Tinkler
Gwendolyn Armstrong
December 23, 2012
A GIANT of an Educator who will never be replicated. His care for his students and teachers will live on in the lives of many! Highly regarded in his love for God, family, friends and many others.
I pray that Joyce and family will have God's peace during this time and that they will all continue to carry with them Bill's love for them all.
It was my pleasure to have worked with him. I rejoice in the memories that He gave us all to provide quality education for Bridgeport students.
Ramondia Simmons
December 23, 2012
My prayers and thoughts go out to the Tinkler family and sincere condolences, a life well lived.
ROSA FULLER-BONNER
December 23, 2012
He was the most loved Principle in The City Of Bridgeport.Leaving all of us with this memory,(I am somebody I walk tall I stand tall an treat others as I would like to be treated I am somebody) Mckinley School.( Never Forgotten)
Tomeka Sanderson
December 22, 2012
To you Mr. Tinkler I pray you are at peace, and Gods comfort for your family. I am saddened as a very influential person in my life has passed. Attending Mckinley with you as the principal was an awesome experience. Vividly I remember you in the cafeteria with "ants in your pants" and getting laughter out of us, followed by your encouraging words to motivate us. I count myself blessed to have been one of your students.
Yvette Embry
December 22, 2012
I'm lost for word......as a teenage mom who was not sure of herself Mr Tinkler helped me realize that the more I educate myself the more I educate my sons......Thank you for that. My prayers go out to the whole Tinkler family God bless
De'Borah Sutton
December 22, 2012
The best principal I have every meet. Mr Tinkler truely had a heart for his student I remember when school was out for the day Mr. Tinkler would always be outside standing on the corner watching his students as they walked home. know that we are praying for you in your time sorrow that God takes you through and give you peace of mind. we will miss you Mr. Tinkler.
Connie and Eric (CT) & Kyle (SC) Geer
December 22, 2012
So sad to hear of Mr. Tinkler's passing. A mentor, teacher, principal and friend - a lifetime of giving until the end. We will cherish the memory of a man who was such a positive role model in our schools and our community. He helped to shape so many lives in a very caring and genuine way. He taught lessons that extended beyond the classroom including morals, dignity and self respect. He helped turn boys and girls into strong and confident men and women. It was a pleasure to work with him at Roosevelt's PTA and witness the interaction between him and his students who had the utmost love and respect for him. Sympathy, prayers and blessings to his family. May you be comforted to know that his living was not in vain. Rest in Perfect Peace, Mr. Tinkler.
SCOTT TRAVERSE
December 22, 2012
MR.TINKLER WAS THE BEST...
Calvin T. Harris Sr.
December 22, 2012
To a powerful mentor,Big Brother,and Special friend.You and Andy Aleen were my idol growing up in the Terrace and showing us all that "Education does make a difference".To your lovely wife and family our deepest Condolences as my son and daughter fail under your regime. You will be missed dearly as I recall playing catch with your during the Bridgeport Jets days.Love ya Brother "Rest in Peace"
December 22, 2012
To the Tinkler Family, our sincere sympathy and prayers at your time of need. Bill was good friend, colleague and a great mentor to me as a teacher and principal in the Bridgeport public schools.He earned our respect as an educator and a man by showing concern for his students and compassion for the teachers and parents he worked with.
Jim and Yvette Hodge
Alexis Young
December 22, 2012
There are many words for this man who was truly a giving, caring and an awesome person to have been a part of our lives. Through the 70's and early 80's he was someone that left an indelible impression on my generation and those that followed. Daily in the small cafeteria of McKinley School at every lunch wave he touched us with the infamous "I Am Somebody" mantra that we recited along with him. Thank you Thank you Thank you! I believe I speak for everyone from McKinley School when I say Mr. Tinkler was somebody special and there was none like him. He was more than an educator, he was someone we can talk to, as well as, look up to. I recall seeing him in the halls of Harding in very recent years coming out of retirement to give yet again tirelessly as he always did. Love, comfort and blessings to the family of William Tinkler - from myself, Regan, Darryl & Audra - he'll be missed. God bless!!
Ken Malstrom
December 22, 2012
I had the honor of serving in the Monroe Jaycees with Bill many years ago. He was an advocate of community involvement and loved working with children and young adults. He lived by the words in the Jaycee Creed, That earth's great treasure lies in human personality; And that service to humanity is the best work of life. My sincere and deepest sympathies, Bill will be sadly missed.
Melanie sheldon
December 22, 2012
Mr tinkler will never be forgotten touch the lives of so many!!
Cynthia Cruz
December 22, 2012
Wow!! I'm still lost for words. I can't believe that you are no longer here with us Mr.Tinkler. As a former Roosevelt student I will try my best to keep your name alive. My condolences goes out to the family and may god be with you.
Yvette Sellers
December 22, 2012
I am somebody
I walk tall
I talk tall
I treat others as I would like to be treated
I am somebody!!!!
Thank you for instilling pride and self worth into me at such a young age! You were one of my first heroes as my principal at McKinley School. Love you & you will forever be missed! They don't make them like you anymore =(
Tonya Smith
December 22, 2012
You will truly be missed..loved everything you stood for.
twana johnson
December 22, 2012
Mr Tinkler may be gone but he will never be forgotten..My eldest son who is 24 is remebering Mr. Tinkler. His legacy goes from generation to generation.R.I.P
Janielle Belcher
December 22, 2012
My condolences go out to the family of Mr.Tinkler. He will sadly be missed. He was the best principal Roosevelt will ever have.
Melissa Valle
December 22, 2012
Mr. Tinkler was the best principal a kid could ask for. He cared for us like we were his own. He was well respected by many. My prayers go out to his family and friends.123 show me will always stay in my head for years to come. He always kept the school together no matter what was going on. You will truely be missed.... Class of 95"
Shamara Burton
December 22, 2012
My deepest condolences to the Tinkler family. My fav principal & the only one that actually wanted to see us succeed. R.I.P. Mr.Tinkler may you rest peacefully in heaven
Dionne Mitchell
December 22, 2012
A million words can never express the magnitude of gratitude I have for Mr.Tinkler. He was the greatest principle in the Bridgeport School System and loved each and ever one of his students. I speak for myself and the Class of 98 saying thank you for so many years of encouragement and guidance. For not only being an educator but a respected friend, role model and for many a parental figure. My deepest condolences at this time to the Tinkler family may you find comfort in knowing Mr TInkler has touch thousands of lives with his amazing spirit and he will forever live in our hearts.
Tanisha Miller
December 22, 2012
My condolences to the family. ..He was a great man and a wonderful principal....Rip
Toni-Ann T.
December 22, 2012
To the Family of Mr. Tinkler. He will be greatly missed! I am a former student from Roosevelt school and a recent facebook group was started prior to us finding out about his passing. So many great memories were relived from having Mr. Tinkler as our caring dedicated Principal. We are all saddened by this news but we are all greatful to have met him and had him in our lives. God be with you during this time...
Levonbria Johnson
December 22, 2012
Lost for words. Couldn't believe it and wouldn't accept it until I saw for myself. Rest in Paradise to the best principal a child could have ever had. Your students now mourn our loss of you as well as Roosevelt School. No one will ever be able to replace you. You were our "Mr. Clark". You not only guided us in school but you even took the time to guide us outside of school while making trips to the south end of Bridgeport to Pq., Marina Apt, and Marina Village. You loved us all and we knew it. My condolences to your family because the thought of losing someone as great as yourself leaves me lost for words. I pray that God gives them the strength to get past these unbearable times. You earned your spot in Heaven Mr. Tinkler. I will never forget you giving us Roosevelt dollars, calling us "wall flowers" and saying "1,2,3, SHOW ME!!!" "WHERE THEM FINGERS AT?" "TAP THE PERSON NEXT TO YOU THAT IS TALKING" "M.I.Crooked Letter.Crooked Letter.I.Crooked Letter.Crooked Letter.I.Humpback, humpback.I", I can go on. You will be truly missed. You were not only the principal of myself, but to my family, (mom, siblings,cousins) as well as my childhood friends. We will never forget. Rest in Peace Mr. Tinkler!!!! Class of 98
BERNADETTE HILL-MCCALL
December 22, 2012
TO THE FAMILY OF MR. TINKLER. MY HEARTFELT DEEPEST CONDOLENCES GOES OUT TO EACH AND EVERYONE OF YOU ALL. MY DEEPEST PRAYERS WILL BE WITH YOU ALL DURING THIS DIFFICULT TIME OF BEREAVEMENT. MR. TINKLER WAS MY PRINCIPAL AT MCKINLEY ELEMENTARY SCHOOL. HE WAS A VERY CARING PRINCIPAL. HE WILL BE SADLY MISSED BY ALL WHO KNEW HIM. R.I.P. MR. TINKLER. GOD BLESS. LOVE, BERNADETTE HILL-MCCALL
Melinda Stygles
December 22, 2012
To the Tinkler Family, I will always remember Mr. Tinkler as a wonderful educator and a true gentleman.
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