Sylacauga, AL- William R. “Bill” Markham, age 75, passed away on Friday, March 15, 2024 at his residence surrounded by family.
Bill was born in St. Louis, Missouri on August 25, 1948. He was the younger of 2 brothers and he was always mischievous and loved to joke with everyone. He was the class clown in High school and that shaped his personality throughout his lifetime.
He enlisted in the US Navy right out of High School and served during Vietnam on several ships, including the USS Intrepid and the USS Forrestal. While in the Navy, he was on leave in Alabama and met his wife of 57 years, Teresa.
Together, they had many adventures. They raised 4 children, moved to Narragansett, Rhode Island, Crystal Lake, Illinois and eventually back home to Alabama. His whole life, Bill was a dedicated friend to many, a loyal and loving husband to Teresa, and a wonderful and supportive father and Grandfather to his family. Bill worked all over the world for various companies in the printing press industry, where he ran projects, made lasting friendships and loved all of his guys on the road like family. He had a passion for his family, his country, Nascar, his land here in Alabama and the outdoors.
Everyone who met Bill was immediately drawn to his great sense of humor, his infectious laughter and his ability to joke and make people feel at ease. To know him was to love him. His passing has left a huge void in the Markham family, and he will be missed beyond measure.
Bill is survived by his wife, Teresa Markham; three daughters, Melissa Haney (Elbert), Barbara Weber (Adam), Michelle “Ziggy” Markham; son Charles Emory Markham III (Ashley); brother, Robert C. Markham; five grandchildren, Darien Anne Markham, Phoebe Fruhauf (Joseph), Anna Haney, William “Will” Markham, Sarah Berger (Calvin); five great-grandchildren, Karter Killough, Riley Anne Killough, Elijah Berger, Dexter Berger, Dominique Berger and dedicated family, Shirley Byrd-Collier and Ervin Jones.
Bill was preceded in death by his parents, Charles and Marie Markham.
A visitation for Bill will be held Friday, March 22, 2024 from 4:00 p.m. to 6:00 p.m. at Radney-Smith Funeral Home, 320 North Elm Avenue, Sylacauga, Alabama 35150. A funeral service will occur Saturday, March 23, 2024 at 1:00 p.m. at St. Jude Catholic Church, 310 W Bay Street, Sylacauga, Alabama 35150.
Bill will be laid to rest in Grimes Chapel Baptist Church Cemetery, 25235 Coosa County Road 29, Sylacauga, Alabama 35151.
Serving as pallbearers are Robert C. Markham, Charles Markham III, Adam Weber, Sherrill Weathers, Michael Weathers, David Weathers and honorary pallbearer William “Will” Markham.
Memorial messages may be sent to the family at www.dignitymemorial.com/funeral-homes/sylacauga-al/radney-smith-funeral-home/8516.
Radney-Smith Funeral Home in Sylacauga, Alabama will direct the services.
