Bill Nummy Jr.

William Ralph Nummy Jr., known affectionately as Bill, was received into the loving arms of Jesus on August 11, 2025. He was surrounded by the love of his family in Lansing, Michigan, at the time of his passing. Born on November 23, 1949, in Rochester, NY, Bill's life was a testament to his faith, generosity, wisdom and patience.

Bill grew up in a loving household with his parents, William Ralph Nummy Sr. and Betsy Ross Nummy, who preceded him in death. Bill was the big brother to sisters Kathy Mortensen (Joseph), Anne Bolind (Lawrence), and Kristi Fowler (Doug).

A gifted athlete, Bill graduated from Midland High School in 1968, leaving behind a legacy in the pool, particularly with a record he set in freestyle that stood for over two decades. After high school, he pursued an education at Denison University with a degree in biology, where he continued to excel on the swim team, achieving All American status multiple times. After receiving his bachelor's degree in 1972, he continued to further his education at Central Michigan University, with a focus on education. Bill was known by many throughout his life as a gifted teacher, happy to help a struggling student write and edit a paper, or learn a bit of math and chemistry. He was also an excellent coach, helping many to fine tune their golf games on the driving range or perfect their swimming forms in the pool.

Bill dedicated his professional life to the sciences and worked for the Michigan Department of Public Health for the first half of his career, where he was instrumental in the development of a life saving vaccine for hemophilia. He later went on to become a senior scientist in the private sector at Bioport, and helped develop the anthrax vaccine. Bill finished his career in California as a highly respected teaching consultant to fellow scientists in the field of plasma manufacturing.

Bill's commitment to love and family was evident in his marriages. He found love and companionship with his wife Sherry Weekley Guild Nummy, who was with him faithfully until his last breath. He cherished the memories of his deceased wife Ann Acker Nummy, and his grandson Everson Guild. His previous marriage to Katherine Severin Jernigan produced three children, daughters Melissa Vaughn (David), Eden Cooper (Andrew), and son Brian Nummy (Anna). Through his marriage to Sherry, Bill gained four wonderful stepchildren, who are Chris Guild (Laura), Chad Guild (Shannon), Carrie Kelly (Mark), and Aaron Guild (Alyssa). His legacy continues on through his 17 grandchildren and 3 great-grandchildren, who will remember him for his playful sense of humor, generous heart, wise counsel, and gentle spirit. His children and grandchildren were the pride and light of his life.

Bill's Christian faith was what guided him in his daily actions and in his relationships with others. He was a man who clung to The Rock, Jesus Christ, and took life one day at a time. Bill took time to consider the bigger picture of what God was doing in his life and in the lives of his family and friends, with whom he was known to patiently walk alongside during times of struggle, grief and heartache.

His interests were varied and passionate. An avid golfer, Bill could often be found out on the fairways with his friends and family. His lifelong love for music was widely varied and encompassed many genres-the louder, the better! He found creative outlet in photography, capturing the beauty of wildlife, and was most fond of birds and flowers. Bill also enjoyed skiing, bowling, and was a pretty decent basketball and softball player back in the day. His laughter was most prominent when enjoying some of his all-time favorite comedies, with a love of slap-stick and British satire. In quieter moments, he was an avid reader and always had a book going on his nightstand.

Bill's life was one of faith, laughter, introspection and humility. His family and friends will forever cherish his memory. As we say goodbye to William Ralph Nummy Jr., we take comfort in the knowledge that his legacy will live on in the hearts of those who loved him and in the lives he touched with his humor, wisdom and grace.

A gathering in memory of Bill will be held on Sunday, August 17, 2025 from 2:00-5:00 PM at the Palmer Bush & Jensen Family Funeral Homes, Delta Chapel, 6301 West St. Joe Highway, Lansing, MI 48917.

In lieu of flowers, the family is accepting donations in memory of Bill's grandson to the Ev Effect. https://www.eveffect.org/