Obituaries

William "Bill" Earl Wonnacott was born on May 12, 1947, in Sault Ste. Marie, Michigan to the late Earl and Virginia (Sawyers) Wonnacott.

Starting from childhood Bill was a known prankster, he loved making people laugh whether it was telling a joke, a funny impersonation, or chasing his sister around with his brothers and putting snakes down her back.

Bill was a kind, big-hearted, humble, and simple man. He could find joy in any situation and would be the first person to give you the shirt off his back. He instilled in his children (and grandchildren) that money was to be made and spent but could never buy you true happiness. He instead taught his children that happiness could be found in simple things like birdwatching, going "for a drive," camping, or spending time with your family.

Bill attended Pickford schools and graduated in 1965. After high school Bill served in the U.S. Army during the Vietnam war. After serving in the Army Bill settled in the metro Detroit area where he lived and raised his children until his retirement.

Bill spent more than 40 years working and managing Thread Grinding Services, INC in Farmington Hills where he worked with his late Uncle Bill and Aunt Marilyn. He loved his work, was well respected for his work ethic, and enjoyed friendships with the many people he met through work.

Bill enjoyed spending his time golfing, camping, tinkering, going to car shows, gardening, going "for a drive", working on cars, and going out for breakfast. In the years after retirement Bill enjoyed reading, watching Westerns, restoring his antique tractors, attending tractor pulls, doing word searches, and you could always find him playing solitaire.

You could often find Bill attending any one of his children or grandchildren's games, recitals, tournaments, competitions, or concerts. He often said that his children and grandchildren were the pride of his life. Bill was known for how he showed up for not only his children and grandchildren but also all of their friends.

Bill passed away on March 23, 2023, surrounded by his loving children at U of M University Hospital.

Bill is survived by his wife Donna and his children: William Joseph-Earl (Kelli Smock) Wonnacott, Daniel James Wonnacott, and Kayelyn Marie (Wonnacott) Lupoli. Stepchildren: Bill (Evelyn) Lockhart, Steve (Pepper) Lockhart, Diane Bishop, Krystal (Dave) LaCrosse, Jamie Holmes, and Kristina Holmes. Grandchildren: Tristen, Cooper, Sofia, Chloe, Dorothy, Joshua. Step grandchildren: James (Kaycee), Abigail, Andy, Katie, Samantha (Michael), Sarah, Libby (Austin), Stephanie, Stacy, Lucas, and Brynn and great grandchildren. Sister, Zandra Johnson, sister-in-law Judy Wonnacott., Aunt Marilyn (Sawyers) Mills, Uncle Gary (Laura) Sawyers, many nieces, nephews and cousins.

Bill was preceded in death by his parents; Virginia Beatrice (Sawyers) Wonnacott and Earl Philip Wonnacott. His siblings; Brenda Wonnacott, Bob (Linda) Wonnacott, Janis Wonnacott, Rick Wonnacott, Roger Wonnacott. Stepdaughter, Mary Lockhart. Brother -in -law Tom Johnson.

Memorial services will be held at C.S. Mulder Funeral Home on April 22,2023 with visitation from 1:00 p.m. - 3:00 p.m., services will be held at 3:00 p.m. with military honors to follow.

Details at a later date for luncheon.

In lieu of flowers please consider a donation to the Leukemia & Lymphoma Society in honor of Bill.

We would like to extend a special thank you to the staff of 7A and 6D at U of M University Hospital. May God bless all of you and thank you for making Bill comfortable in his last days.