William "Widge" Donald Proctor

Widge was born on October 8, 1948 in Ferndale, the son of John and Mary (Dirksey) Proctor. He was in Ferndale High School's graduating class of 1966 and went on to further his education at Oakland University, where he received his Bachelor's of Science degree. Widge did not stop there with his education. He went onto to Eastern Michigan University where he received a Specialist Degree in Education.

Education was a big part Widge's world, but he when he met Mary Burns, she became his world. Widge married his love, Mary, on April 23, 1973 at St. Thomas Church in Ann Arbor. Together, they built a home and family filled with love.

Widge used his degree in mathematics to teach at various schools. He began his teaching journey at St. Thomas High School. Later in life, he found himself teaching at Dexter High School. He was quite involved with the schools he taught at. He was a football coach at both of the high schools while he was there. Most importantly, he was very proud of being the President of the Teacher's Union in Dexter.

When Widge retired, he picked up the hobby of pickleball at the Williamston Community Fitness Center. It was his favorite game to play. He loved listening to Motown Music. If you heard The Temptations playing and Widge was around, you knew exactly who was in control of the radio. Widge loved to bake, especially a key-lime pie. Or multiple. A famous line from him is, "it doesn't take much to make another pie". The most important thing about Widge was his heart. He had a heart filled with love for his grandchildren, and he would do absolutely anything for his friends and family. He was a very generous man who will be deeply missed.

A visitation for Widge will be held Thursday, March 2, 2023 from 1:00 PM to 4:00 PM and 6:00 PM to 8:00 PM at Gorsline Runciman Funeral Homes, 205 East Middle Street, Williamston, MI 48895. A visitation will be held Friday, March 3, 2023 from 10:00 AM to 11:00 AM at St. Martha Catholic Church, 1100 W Grand River Ave, Okemos, MI 48864. A funeral mass will be celebrated Friday, March 3, 2023 at 11:00 AM at St. Martha Catholic Church, 1100 W Grand River Ave, Okemos, MI 48864.

In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made to St. Martha Parish and School, https://giving.parishsoft.com/App/Giving/stmartha

Widge is survived by his loving wife of 49 years, Mary; children, Shannon Burns Proctor (Christopher Ellis) and Jeff Proctor; grandchildren, Kalyn Proctor and Julian Proctor; brothers, Frank Proctor and Robert Proctor; 16 nieces and nephews; and his brother and sister in laws.

Widge is preceded in death by his parents, John and Mary Proctor; brother, John Proctor.