Charles Piller

It confounds the mind to think of the determination of our father to live his life as if it were an opportunity to test the body's levels of physical excess and the mind's acquisition of new knowledge. Even at age 99, two weeks before his death, he could be found pressing the weight machines at the gym or reading a new book.
Why, you may ask? Because he was from the fearless generation of WWII vets that believed strength, frugality, honesty, singing in quartets, and dancing like Gene Kelley were the definition of a true man. He put Forrest Gump to shame by running the circumference of the earth more than twice as well as 18 marathons and hundreds of 10 Ks. He was an avid tennis player, a fearless skier, a dedicated golfer, a champion whistler, a voracious reader, and an ever curious life-long learner.
Charles Robert (Doc) Piller passed away peacefully on May 30, 2025 with his family by his side. Born March 14, 1926 in Willard, Ohio to Alfred Piller and Hellen Walker Piller, he was the youngest of four siblings. He grew up with horse-drawn carts delivering ice and trolley cars populating brick-paved streets. After graduating from Willard High School, Charlie enlisted in the United States Army, where he served as an aerial gunner in the 13th Air Force 307 bomb unit in the South Pacific. He then went on to attend the Ohio State University, where he met and married Rachel Mae Hupp. She was the love of his life for over 70 years; she made him promise to take her dancing for the rest of her life, and he did.
Charlie lived a purposeful 96 years in Willard until moving to Texas to live with two of his daughters. He loved dentistry, and cared deeply for the oral health of his patients. He took pride in personally making comfortable dentures and prosthetics to match facial features and color tones. He gave out toothbrushes for Halloween, much to the chagrin of the neighborhood kids. He not only was a sportsman himself, but encouraged youth to keep active. He was proud to be the assistant coach to the Willard High School girls' first tennis team, and he kept time for the boys' cross country team as well. He was an active member of Grace Methodist Church and relished singing in the choir.
Because of his tenacity and dedication to health and wellness, his family is left with decades of rich memories to cherish and the peace that comes with knowing that his was a life well lived. He made wonderful memories on family trips- hiking, backpacking, swimming, skiing, and otherwise adventuring all over the country with his kids, grandkids, and great-grandkids. He loved to share his interests and encouraged others to pursue their own passions.
Dad, thank you for challenging us and loving us. We know you are racing with anticipation and joy to catch up with mom.
Charlie is survived by his three daughters and their husbands: Charlene and Dean Moll of Sandy Hook, Connecticut, Cheri and David Klassen of Sulpher Springs, Texas, and Nancy and Scott Spence of Austin Texas; and seven grandchildren: Melissa Ranks (Andrew Ranks), Alex Moll, Kate Clark (Nick Clark), Sam Klassen (Megan Klassen), Ben Shreve (Rachel Shreve), Gabe Shreve, and Nick Shreve. Furthermore, he leaves behind four great-grandchildren: Charlotte and Claire Ranks, and Dylan and Reese Spence.
Charlie was predeceased by his parents, his three siblings, his wife Rachel, and his son-in-law Gary Shreve.
A memorial celebration is planned for Saturday July 12 at 11 am at Secor's Funeral Home in Willard.
In lieu of flowers, contributions can be made to Willard Grace Methodist Church or a worthy charity of choice.