William "Bill" Conroy

Bill was born on May 4, 1943 to Martin and Agnes (Thurston) Conroy. Bill was the youngest of nine children.

Bill was a truck driver for Hamady Bros until the stores closed. He retired from Overland Express in 2004. Bill was a lucky guy to find a career that he truly enjoyed everyday. He was a proud member of Teamsters Local 332. In 1966, Bill enlisted into the National Guard, where he met Chuck McAllister. One weekend when she was visiting him, Chuck’s sister, Bonna, asked him to set her up with a date. Thank God, Chuck picked Bill and Bill accepted.

Bonna (Gabby) became Bill’s best friend. On February 23, 1968, Gabby became Bill’s beautiful bride in St. Louis, Michigan. In 1974, Bill and Gabby built their forever home in Lapeer, where they raised their three children. They brought their youngest son, James Patrick “JP”, home in October 1976. Unfortunately, they lost JP in April 1977. Their home was the most loving house where all were welcomed. Bill enjoyed spending hours under his shade tree or around the kitchen table with family and friends. His cooler of cold beer was always close to his side. Bill had a sense of humor that surpassed many. When the teasing and hijinks began, Bill was considered the ring leader, whether directed at Mom or one of his children, grandchildren, or great grandchildren. He always had time for laughing and joking.

When Bill turned 18, joining his older brothers, he joined the Knights of Columbus Council 4090. Bill made many lifelong friends as a brother Knight. He enjoyed working, fundraising, and volunteering, especially the Bingos and tootsie roll drives.

Bill is survived by his adoring children: Cathe (Phil) Kennedy, Tom (Wendy) Conroy, and Karen (Jess) Ihrke; special bonus son, Gerry (Joyce Griffin) Martin; and Patricia Guzman.

Bill was very proud of his grandchildren: Alyssa (Hatim Shngoo) Bellant, Ashley (Katie Jones) Conroy, Taylor (Noah Spurlock) Williams, Mitchell Kennedy, Jesse Ihrke, and Margo Ihrke. Although, he was also “grandpa” to many others over the years. He also had the joy of being Gramps to his great grandchildren: Leah and Raegin Bellant.

Bill is also survived by his sisters-in-law: Sally Conroy, Everill Conroy, and Sharon (Mike) Curtin. He leaves behind fun and loving memories to many nieces, nephews, cousins, and friends.

Bill was welcomed into Heaven by his beautiful bride and best friend, Gabby, who had passed away September 21, 2023; his infant son, James Patrick; his parents: Martin and Agnes; siblings: Eleanor, James, Patrick, Michael “Joe”, Raymond, Bernadette, Rosemary Ann, and Robert; and many brothers and sisters in law.

The family would like to extend a heartfelt thank you to McLaren Hospice and RN Kristen, who was also Bonna’s hospice nurse. The compassion and love that Kristen shared was a much needed comfort for the family.

A visitation will be held on Monday, January 8, 2024 from 3pm-8pm at Hill Funeral Home - 11723 S Saginaw St, Grand Blanc, MI. A rosary led by the family will take place Monday at 6:30pm with a Knights of Columbus Council 4090 memorial to follow. A funeral mass for Bill will be on Tuesday, January 9, 2024 at 1pm with a one hour visitation prior at 12pm at St John the Evangelist Catholic Church - 404 N Dayton St, Davison, MI. Bill will be laid to rest with military honors next to his wife and son at St John Catholic Cemetery following the services.

In lieu of flowers, contributions may be made to Catholic Charities in memory of Bill.