William Marcy Sr.

1947 - 2021

LIBERTY — William B. "Bill" Marcy Sr., 73, of Liberty, S.C., and formerly of East Greenville, Penn., died Tuesday, April 6 with his adoring wife of 54 years by his side.

Born Oct. 6, 1947 in Philadelphia to the late Charles and Grace (Bethune) Marcy, Bill was preceded in death by his brother, John B. Marcy Sr.; sister-in-law Nanette Marcy; and son, Brian Marcy.

He is survived by his wife, Barbara (Earwaker) Marcy of Liberty, S.C.; two sons, William B. Marcy Jr. (Irene) of Reading, Penn., and Brett Marcy of Mechanicsburg, Penn.; a daughter, Tammy Marcy Kling of Liberty, S.C.; granddaughters, Kayla (Marcy) Grow of Schwenksville, Penn., Alicia Kling and Jenna Kling, both of Liberty, S.C.; and two great-grandsons, Brody and Bennett Grow. He is also survived by brothers, Charles "Ron" Marcy Sr. (Barbara) and Gary Marcy; sister-in-law Jane Marcy; and his many loving nieces and nephews; as well as Frank Venarchick (Marie), whom he counted as a brother.

Throughout his life, he loved the companionship of his loyal dogs, whom he doted on like his own children.

He was retired from Bell Atlantic (Verizon) Telephone Company. Following his retirement, he took his dream job as a part-time member of the groundskeeping crew at the former Upper Perk Golf Course. Bill was a natural athlete and a lover of sports. He was a longtime golfer and bowler, and in his youth played football, baseball and adult recreation league softball. Bill was a lifelong fan of the Philadelphia Phillies, Philadelphia Eagles, Philadelphia Flyers and Penn State football.

Fittingly, Bill's last day was spent lakeside with his wife and family. The water always called to him, giving his fiercely independent spirit a place to stretch out – from his Navy service during the Vietnam War, to his many family vacations to Wildwood, N.J., to his romantic getaways with Barbara, including recent trips to Panama City, Fla. And Myrtle Beach, S.C.

He was just 17 when he asked his parents for permission to join the U.S. Navy. It was in the Navy, aboard the USS Waldron, where he met his lifelong best friend, the late Peter DuBois. In Pete, Bill found a kindred spirit, and the two became inseparable. Pete's wife, Doris, and their children, Michelle and Matt, became extended family – enjoying many vacations and family celebrations together.

Bill was a former volunteer firefighter with the East Greenville Fire Co. and remained a member of the fire company in good standing even after he and Barbara relocated to South Carolina. It was at the "firehouse" where he made some of his closest lifelong friends, who came to love him for his boundless energy and his infectious humor.

He also was an active member of the American Legion Post 184 in Palm, Penn., and a former member of the Order of the Owls Nest in East Greenville.

Private funeral services will be held at St. Michael's Episcopal Church in Easley, S.C. The family will hold a "celebration of life" gathering in Pennsylvania in the coming months to honor and remember Bill.

Condolences to the family may be made through the Cremation Society of South Carolina – Westville Funerals at cremationsocietyofsc.com, search "Marcy"

In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made to East Greenville Fire Company, 401 Washington St., East Greenville, PA 18041; or to The American Legion by visiting www.legion.org/donate/waystogive.