William Arthur Gartland

He departs with the unwavering love of: his wife of 36 years, Maria Molnar Gartland; his older brother, Robert Joseph Gartland; his beloved sons, Richard Charles Gartland and Christopher Anthony Dawson; his cherished daughters, Jeanne Gartland Jukola, Ruth Gartland Levin, Catherine Gartland LaMar, and Kelley Dawson-Gartland Greeson; and many treasured friendships from living in Missouri to Michigan to Florida to North Carolina.

He is preceded in death by his father, Eugene Joseph Gartland, Jr.; his mother, Marie Rethwilm Gartland; and his oldest brother, Eugene Charles Gartland, Jr.

He is survived by his eleven grandchildren: Megan Levin, Devyn Williams, Eric Greeson, Alex Levin, Scott Greeson, Madison LaMar, Chase Greeson, Kurt Greeson, Trace LaMar, Grant Dawson, Nick Dawson; and one great grandchild, Joshua Williams.

Born on January 26, 1934, Bill was raised in Richmond Heights, MO. He graduated as a Mechanical Engineer from Missouri School of Mines and Metallurgy where he was a proud member of the Kappa Kappa Sigma Fraternity.

Bill had a passion for baseball and the St. Louis Cardinals. In his youth, he played for their farm team. In his less youthful days, he played softball well into his 60s and golf into his 70s. He was also a first lieutenant in the Army Corps of Engineers.

While working at Ford Motor Company, he received a patent for his carburetor design. As his career took a varied path, he also worked in non-engineering fields, including home improvement, interior design, cruise ship security, piano refinishing, and church ushering. His favorite jobs were with the Town of Cary building inspectors and with Leith Mercedes-Benz, because he enjoyed working with the people so much.

Bill will be most remembered for his quick wit, his kind heart, his competitive spirit, and his knack for making everyone feel at ease, friends and strangers alike. He was an incredible rock to those who loved him. He will be missed more than words can express.

In lieu of flowers or memorial contributions, your friendship is all the family could ask for at this time.