Search by Name

Search by Name

WILLIAM COLBY Obituary

William "Bill" Colby, age 74, of Fresno, CA, passed peacefully at his home on Monday, May 22, 2017, after a short battle with lung cancer. He was born in Long Prairie, MN on March 23, 1943, son of E.K. and Geri Colby. His early years were filled with football and basketball accolades. Bill married the love of his life, Shari Taber, in 1964, and had two children, Chad and Shana. Bill moved his family to Fresno, CA in 1973, where he found employment at Bingham Toyota in the body shop for most of his career. An auto body man to start, he worked his way up to become manager. He was a talented and creative man who held a patent of his invention with a story to tell. After retirement, he enjoyed his home in Carson City, NV, car shows, his lunch crew, and Hennessy. He is survived by his wife Shari; son, Chad and wife Veronica; grandchildren, Alexis and Austin; daughter Shana; and brothers, Steve of Arizona, and Rick of Missouri. A Memorial Service will be held at the Clovis Hills Community Church, 10590 N. Willow Ave., Clovis, CA 93619, on Tuesday, May 30, 2017, at 2:00 p.m. Donations may be made to Phi Beta Psi Sorority, 551 E. Menlo Avenue, Fresno, CA 93710.

To plant trees in memory, please visit the Sympathy Store.

Published by Fresno Bee on May 28, 2017.

Memories and Condolences
for WILLIAM COLBY

Not sure what to say?





5 Entries

Juli Adams

May 30, 2017

Truly a Prince among Men! Bill was a loving, funny, sweet guy. I'll always remember his art, his gentleness, how he made others happy. Bill was my dad's closest friend throughout their lives, and I will never forget him. Love to Chad, Shana, Shari, and everyone else who loved him. Juli Adams

Ray and Myra Fleming

May 29, 2017

Chad and Kay, we are so sorry to hear about Bill. Please know our prayers and thoughts are with you and your entire family, May God Bless all you at this difficult time.
Ray and Myra Fleming

Jerise (Jeri) Nelson

May 29, 2017

How I wish the miles weren't so many between Clotho and Fresno - I would so love to be at your farewell party, William. You have been a spark in my life for lots and lots of years, my dear friend. You always made me laugh at your silly antics. Though we didn't do much dancing in our later years (didn't do much in our earlier years, mostly just talked about it), when I reach those pearly gates, we will have a dance and you can ask, "How long you been here?" I love you, William, today and forever.

May 28, 2017

Oopsi, forgot to leave our name...Frank and Suzie Lathrop.
Hope you get a chuckle out of that!!

May 28, 2017

Great memories with beautiful neighbors!!!!

Showing 1 - 5 of 5 results

Make a Donation
in WILLIAM COLBY's name

Memorial Events
for WILLIAM COLBY

To offer your sympathy during this difficult time, you can now have memorial trees planted in a National Forest in memory of your loved one.

How to support WILLIAM's loved ones
Honor a beloved veteran with a special tribute of ‘Taps’ at the National WWI Memorial in Washington, D.C.

The nightly ceremony in Washington, D.C. will be dedicated in honor of your loved one on the day of your choosing.

Read more
Attending a Funeral: What to Know

You have funeral questions, we have answers.

Read more
Should I Send Sympathy Flowers?

What kind of arrangement is appropriate, where should you send it, and when should you send an alternative?

Read more
What Should I Write in a Sympathy Card?

We'll help you find the right words to comfort your family member or loved one during this difficult time.

Read more
Resources to help you cope with loss
Estate Settlement Guide

If you’re in charge of handling the affairs for a recently deceased loved one, this guide offers a helpful checklist.

Read more
How to Write an Obituary

Need help writing an obituary? Here's a step-by-step guide...

Read more
Obituaries, grief & privacy: Legacy’s news editor on NPR podcast

Legacy's Linnea Crowther discusses how families talk about causes of death in the obituaries they write.

Read more
The Five Stages of Grief

They're not a map to follow, but simply a description of what people commonly feel.

Read more
Ways to honor WILLIAM COLBY's life and legacy
Obituary Examples

You may find these well-written obituary examples helpful as you write about your own family.

Read more
How to Write an Obituary

Need help writing an obituary? Here's a step-by-step guide...

Read more
Obituary Templates – Customizable Examples and Samples

These free blank templates make writing an obituary faster and easier.

Read more
How Do I Write a Eulogy?

Some basic help and starters when you have to write a tribute to someone you love.

Read more