William M. O'Rork

William (Bill) Merriweather O'Rork, 91, died peacefully at Veteran's Hospital on December 21, 2015. He leaves his dear wife of 61 ½ years, Shirley O'Rork. Mr.O'Rork is also survived by one daughter, Shan Criswell; two sons, Steven and Brian; five grandchildren, Justin Worthington, Kellye James, Jared Worthington, Caitlyn O'Rork and Keegan O'Rork. He has two great grandsons, Kade and Layne James. William's parents, Charles and Lucille O'Rork, three older siblings, Virginia, Charles, Robert and twin brother, David preceded him in death. Bill and Dave were born in Richmond, Virginia but grew up in Orlando, Florida. Bill received a Master of Science from University of Southern California, a BA degree from OK Baptist University and an AA from the University of Florida. Bill taught photography at OBU for three years. Bill and Dave served in the US Navy as Corpsmen during WWII. His medals include two silver stars, a bronze star and a purple heart. After the war and college years he was a motion production photographer for the Baptist Sunday School Board in Nashville. He also was a motion picture editor supervisor for motion picture labs in Memphis. Bill owned Media Equipment Center in Memphis until retirement. Bill organized and was president of TOPS, the Tennessee Organization of Producers Services and was a member of Tennessee Film, Tape and Music Commission for the City of Memphis. His hobbies include: photography, woodworking, computer, traveling and reading. He was a member and deacon of 2nd Baptist Church.
Bill's lifetime include many areas of volunteer services. He and his wife Shirley were members of the Bartlett Gideon camp. He held various offices including camp president twice. Bill was a volunteer at Shelby County Division of Corrections where he organized chapel services every Tuesday night. He also organized Better Life Workshops and revivals in the prison. Bill was the Banana Man where he visited and handed out bananas for Shelby County Health Center. He also was the Banana Man for Sycamore Healthcare Center. In this ministry his children and grandchildren helped him. Bill was truly a servant of the Lord and will be greatly missed by his family, friends and those whose lives he touched.