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William Holcomb Obituary
GRAND RAPIDS -- William E. Holcomb, 69, of Grand Rapids, went to be with the Lord on Saturday, July 21, 2018, while doing what he loved with someone he loved, riding motorcycles in Wyoming and appreciating God's creation with his son, Joshua. He leaves this world achieving a final goal: accomplished climber of Devil's Tower.
Everyone who knew Bill knew that God, his family, his country and riding motorcycles were his passion. Bill's love of people was expressed through his selfless acts of service and hard work. If you needed him, you always knew Bill would be there. He loved driving a school bus for his kids in Rockford, organizing his tools (each emblazoned with his initials), taking great pride in fixing everything and saying "there is no project too big or small." Most nights, you could find Bill after a full day of activity relaxing in his favorite chair, headphones on, watching his favorite show.
Bill's great heart was full of love for his wife, Valerie; his children, Shari (Todd) Hooper, Kati (Rob) Rodriguez, Amii (Ryan) Hostetler and Joshua (Mary Lane); nine grandchildren, Shauna (Kyle) Preslar, Shannon, Ana Rose, Zane Holcomb, Zoe Grace, Joshua William, Nolan, Benjamin and Emma; one great-granddaughter, Hayden; two sisters, Judie (Duane) Goltz and Jean (the late Russ) Cousineau and many other family members.
He was our anchor and the glue that kept the family together, "Papa" to his loving grandkids. Now, he waits in heaven with Jesus for his family to join him.
A celebration of Bill's life will be at 11 a.m. on Friday at Ada Bible Church, 8899 Cascade Rd SE, Ada, MI 49301. The family will greet friends from 2 to 4 p.m. and 6 to 8 p.m. on Thursday at Metcalf & Jonkhoff Funeral Service. In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions are suggested to Mully Children's Family, 3000 Old Alabama Rd, Alpharetta, GA 30022. Alternately, a donation basket for new or used tools (self-inscribed with "B.H." -- use a sharpie) will be on hand at the funeral home for a donation to Habitat for Humanity.
To plant trees in memory, please visit the Sympathy Store.
Memories and Condolences
for William Holcomb
Sarah Saur
August 12, 2018
My daughter rode Bill's bus to school last year and she is really going to miss him. He was funny and kind to all of the kids. She also appreciated all the candy he gave out. Our thoughts and condolences are with your family. Please know that Bill will be thought of and missed.
July 31, 2018
May the God of all comfort be with you and give you peace.
Frank & Barb Reeder
July 29, 2018
Dear Val and kids,
We just saw the notice of Bill's passing. We are so sorry for your loss, but know that we will see him again! We will be lifting all of you up in prayer!
Eric & Lisa Bell-Donihoo
July 26, 2018
May the peace which comes from the memories of love shared, comfort you now and in the days ahead. Please know that all of you are in our thoughts and prayers
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Lizzie Quiñones
July 25, 2018
To Shari and family,
With love,
Lizzie Quiñones
Lizzie Quiñones
July 25, 2018
To Shari and family:
Words can't express how saddened we are to hear of your loss.
The Quiñones Family (Pedro, Lizzie, Melissa, Monica, and Marielle)
Kathy Clark
July 25, 2018
I will miss Bill very much. We trained together for Rockford. Bill was always helping others and had a passion for standing with someone that he felt was being treated unfairly. His smile, enthusiasm for life and camaraderie will be missed and work will a little less fun.
Kathy Clark
July 25, 2018
Val, Shari and family - Our most sincerely condolences on your loss. I can only imagine. You are in our prayers! Dick and Laurie Kulhawik
ERICK TOMASUNAS
July 24, 2018
(Uncle) Bill was a family man all the way. Although I didn't do much personally with him, he was easy going and friendly with everyone. My condolences go out to the Holcomb family and friends who knew Bill. He left everyone much too soon.
July 24, 2018
Our deepest condolences to the Holcomb family. You are in our thoughts and prayers. May God bless you with peace, strength, and comfort as you go through this time of loss.
Love and hugs,
Ron and Kathy Kasul
Dawn Guiles
July 24, 2018
I am so sorry to hear this! Bills bus was right next to mine. He would often bump my bus with his hand or something so I'd think I hit something. Then I'd see him laughing! Praying for the family. I will miss him. Sincerely, Dawn Guiles
July 24, 2018
So sorry to hear of your loss. Keeping your family our my thoughts.
Ann and Steve Tarr
Alexandria McIntyre
July 24, 2018
I have many memories and so much appreciation for the love and compassion that Bill had shown me throughout my life. He and his family took me under their wing for many years and for that I am grateful beyond words. I was able to see him be a wonderful man to his family and anyone else that he encountered. I thank him immensely for being such a willing and positive person in my life.
My heart is heavy and hurts for his family and friends.
Love and prayers to all of you.
Marcia Wals
July 24, 2018
My Deepest sympathy to The Holcomb Family. You are in my thoughts and daily prayers as you begin a new journey with Bill as your Heavenly Angel.
David Hake
July 24, 2018
My wife and I were returning from a motorcycle ride to devils tower the day the accident occurred and observed several people assisting in CPR on Bill. We do not know him or his family but our prayers are with you all. His obituary was beautiful. God Bless him and his family.
Kristyn Vander Zouwen
July 24, 2018
Bill was our next door neighbor and was such a sweetheart. He would sometimes snow blow the entire neighborhood just to help out in the winter. He was always active and happy, fixing something in the driveway or getting ready to go on a trip somewhere. We will remember Bill with fondness and hope that Val and their family can find some peace in this shocking tragedy.
jeanette perry
July 24, 2018
i want to offer our deepest condolences. may you know the good Lord's peace, comfort and strength through this season.
sincerely,
Jason and Jeanette Perry
Hulett EMS
Gisella Licari
July 24, 2018
Very sorry for your loss. Bill was such a great neighbor!
Kyle, Shauna, and Hayden Preslar
July 23, 2018
We will miss you so much! Thank you for showing us what it means to truly live your life and love others unconditionally. We love you Papa!
Vickie Cooper
July 23, 2018
Thinking of all of you! Praying for a special touch from the Lord to help you during this time of loss.
Barbara DeJonge
July 23, 2018
Val, My thoughts and prayers are with the family. May God keep you and give you strength through this.
Showing 1 - 23 of 23 results
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Memorial Events
for William Holcomb
Jul
26
Visitation
2:00 p.m. - 4:00 p.m.
Metcalf & Jonkhoff Funeral Service4291 Cascade Road SE, Grand Rapids, MI 49546
Jul
26
Visitation
6:00 p.m. - 8:00 p.m.
Metcalf & Jonkhoff Funeral Service4291 Cascade Road SE, Grand Rapids, MI 49546
Funeral services provided by:
Metcalf & Jonkhoff Funeral Service4291 Cascade Road SE, Grand Rapids, MI 49546
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