William Wesley Bechtel

Bill was born in Ardmore, Oklahoma on February 12, 1941, to the late Winfried VanZant and William Manring Bechtel. As his great-grandfather was one of the original Oklahoma settlers, he was a true Oklahoman at heart. Bill graduated from Ardmore High School and went on to attend the University of Oklahoma where he majored in Finance and found his lifelong love for the Sooners. He served his country faithfully through his time in the U.S. Army, retiring as Captain.

In the summer of 1966, Bill met the love of his life for the first time when he asked the pretty girl in the apartment downstairs to borrow eggs. It was not long before he married that girl, Martha Landon Dowling of El Dorado, Arkansas. Shortly after, Bill began his career with Xerox which would take the two

from Oklahoma City, Oklahoma to Dallas, Texas and then to Jacksonville, Florida. The two ultimately planted their roots in Marietta where they would spend the next fifty years. The final destination of Bill’s career was his acquisition of Executone of Georgia. Throughout every point of his career, he cherished his relationships with customers and co-workers alike, many of which grew into lifelong friendships.

As a young boy, Bill dedicated his life to his Lord and Savior, Jesus Christ. Bill was an active member of Johnson Ferry Baptist Church in Marietta. He was also involved in many civic and Christian organizations. One of Bill’s proudest accomplishments was working alongside Billy Graham, and other brothers-in-Christ, to bring the Crusade to Atlanta.

Bill had a love for the game of golf. He traveled across the world to play on some of the most beautiful courses, and he previously served as president of Atlanta Country Club. However, his greatest joy came from spending time with his family. He treasured every moment with them, always telling each one that he loved and appreciated them. Bill is survived by his wife, Martha Dowling Bechtel; his daughters, Leigh Bechtel Whatley (Barry) of Opelika, Alabama and Allison Bechtel Borden (Robb) of Marietta, Georgia; grandchildren, Mary Landon Whatley, Ellie Whatley, Thomas Whatley, Wyatt Whatley, Lawson Borden, Tatum Borden, Price Borden, Wesley Borden, and Hill Borden; and sister Donna Bechtel Cheeves of Des Moines, Iowa.

Bill lived life to the fullest and was grateful for his family and lifelong friends. He will be remembered as a devoted husband, loving father, and, most importantly, a man of strong faith. His legacy will live on through those loved him. He will be greatly missed.

A memorial service will be held at Atlanta Country Club at 12:00 pm on May 16, 2024. To honor Bill’s life, memorials may be made to https://www.thisstuffmatters.net/donate or https://ccyakids.org/donate-online-now/.