William C. "Bill" Foster

Through the life he lived each day, William Foster taught us that every moment is ours for the taking and that it is through loving others that we are richly blessed. The heartbeat of his family, Bill viewed his role as Papa to his grandchildren to be life’s greatest reward. With the love of his life by his side for nearly 60 years, he provided not only his own family with an inviting place to gather, but anyone else in need of a good meal or a warm touch. Bill would say that his “million dollar porch” was just a little piece of heaven on earth and that there was nothing of greater importance than the content of one’s character. He leaves behind a timeless legacy rich in honor, compassion, and quiet strength that his children and grandchildren will be proud to carry on.

The first few years in the harsh decade of the 1930s saw the highest unemployment rates in our nation’s history due to the unrelenting grip of the Great Depression. There were glimmers of hope during this time, however, as we celebrated the completion of both the Empire State Building and Route 66. There was much to celebrate during this time for one young family from Blairsville, Georgia, since they were pleased to announce the birth of a healthy baby boy on May 23, 1933.

William was welcomed into the arms of his parents, William Robert “Bob” and Ella Ree (Wilson) Foster, along with his twin brother, Bobby. The boys were two of seven children in their family including Charles, Faye, Donald, Edmund, and Jim. Bill’s father worked at Chrysler in Detroit while his mother was a homemaker. He attended local schools and always joked around that he walked seven miles to school each day. Bill’s high school years found him at Blairsville High School where he was a cheerleader for the basketball games, mainly because he decided that it would be a great way to get to know all the girls. Bill was also a guitar player in a band during his high school years. He was a member of the Future Farmers of America and to this day still has a plaque in the Blairsville City Hall for the most corn grown on a one acre plot of land. He graduated from high school in 1951 and was so proud to be the only member of his family to do so.

With his formal education behind him, Bill enlisted in the Air Force since he didn’t want to end up being drafted. He served during the Korean Conflict and spent four years on active duty and four years in the reserves. Bill was recognized for his service and was always so proud of the awards and commendations he earned.

While stationed in Biloxi, Mississippi, Bill met the young woman with whom he would share a lifetime of love. Her name was Darlene Yates and they met at Mardi Gras. From the moment he laid eyes on her Bill knew she was the one for him as he mentioned to his friend that she was the woman he would marry. Darlene was not so sure, however. In fact, she even said that she wouldn’t marry him if he was the last man on earth. Bill grew on her over time though, and they married on September 3, 1954, in Pascagoula, Mississippi. Together they were blessed with three children, Debbie, Jeff, and Steve.

Bill was a devoted family man through and through who dearly loved his wife and children. In order to support his family Bill worked at some paper mills. He worked for many paper mills around the Kalamazoo area, before becoming a proud independent truck driver. At times he covered long distances and Darlene often went with him. Bill was proud to provide a comfortable life for his family and to have enough food on the table for anyone who stopped by. The Fosters always had an open door policy and seemed to be the gathering place for many. When grandchildren joined their family, Bill couldn’t have been happier as Andy, Cory, and Erica were the light of his life. He also treasured his special niece, Julie.

Although there was nothing that brought Bill more joy than his family, he did enjoy some other things as well. When it came to music, he was country all the way, and he was a member of the Portage/Brady Township/Schoolcraft Masonic Lodge. After he retired, Bill and Darlene moved back to Georgia to help take care of his parents. He was thrilled to be back in his favorite place on earth and loved to take in the view from his “million dollar porch” as he called it. Bill held public office there and was happy to serve his community as mayor pro tem. When he left town their good family friend, Rhonda Mahan who lived up the mountain from Bill, took over his position. Bill was a car enthusiast who liked trading vehicles as a hobby. He took great pride in his cars and often showcased them in local parades. For several years he treasured the companionship of his cats, Jack and Sissy.

There were so many ways that William Foster touched the hearts and lives of those around him. He was a man of integrity who kept his word and believed in working hard at everything he did. Bill took great pride in his high credit score and in serving his community in the greatest place on earth, yet it was his family who was his greatest source of pride and joy. He was a true ladies’ man who appreciated a beautiful woman, yet it was the love of his life who held the key to his heart for more than 57 years. Bill leaves behind a brilliant tapestry of memories that will be forever treasured by those too numerous to count.

William “Bill” C. Foster of Vicksburg died on Wednesday, June 22, 2011. Bill’s family includes his wife, Darlene; three children: Debbie (Jim) Hnilo, of Scotts; Jeff (Karen) Foster, of Vicksburg; Steve (Joy) Foster, of GA; three grandchildren: Andy Foster, Cory Hnilo, Erica Hnilo, all of Vicksburg; three siblings: Charles (Pinky) Foster, of IL; Faye (Ralph) Dayhuff, of TN; Donald Foster, of TN; and a special niece: Julie Downey, of Mt Clemens and someone he thought of as a daughter: Rhonda Mahan, of Blairsville, GA. Preceded in death by his brothers: Edmund Foster, Bobby Foster, Jim Foster. The family will receive friends on Monday from 9-10:30 a.m. at the Chapman Memorial Nazarene Church. Funeral services will be held on Monday at 10:30 a.m. at the same location. Burial will be at the Fort Custer National Cemetery. Please visit Bill’s memory page at www.lifestorynet.com, where you can sign his memory book online before coming to the funeral home. Those who wish may make a memorial donation to the Hospice Care of Southwest Michigan and/or D.A.V. The family is being assisted by Life Story Funeral Home, 409 S. Main St., Vicksburg (649-1697).