William Poston

Throughout the peaks and valleys of life, the one true constant that filled the heart of Bill Poston was the love of family. Although at times they were burdened with the pain of watching Bill struggle, it is that very love which will be kept close when remembering this special man in their lives. Hard working and a true teaser at heart, Bill could tell the best stories which endeared him to all. Gone but never to be forgotten, he will be deeply missed. Booming with industry and manufacturing, life in America was gratifying in 1959. The American dream was being realized, and as families moved to the suburbs, the new 59 Chevy Station Wagon was all the rage. Technology was at an all time high when NASA introduced Americas first astronauts even as tensions overseas brought news of impending war. Yet the days could not have been happier for Tony and Bonnie (Miller) Poston when on September 19, 1959 they celebrated the birth of their only son, William Tony Poston. Born in Muskegon, Michigan, young Bill's father worked at the local Paper Mill while his mother tended to the household and children. He grew up alongside his two older sisters, Joan and Venia, and later welcomed two younger sisters, Tracy and Bonnie. For a time his family lived in the Lakeside neighborhood of Muskegon where Bill served as a Cub Scout and was involved in Awana. While in the third grade, Bill met his forever friend, Emmitt Moore who remained his best friend for the rest of his days. Bill spent most of his growing up years in Fruitport where the Poston family made their home, and where he attended the area schools. During his youth, Bill's father taught him how to hunt and fish. Together they hunted all sorts of game, including raccoons, possum, and others. Although Bill enjoyed hunting with his dad, he developed a love for fishing. Later in life, he frequently fished on the Muskegon Channel. He also had a favorite spot on the Muskegon River north of town where he liked to go, and it wasn't unlike him to pitch a tent and camp by the river's edge. Like many brothers, Bill loved teasing his little sisters, and did so endlessly! Even though they were angry with him at the time, they eventually realized that maybe it was just Bill's way of showing them love. At the center of Bill's heart was family. He was a devoted and loving son, and a great brother. Throughout his life, Bill kept in close contact with his parents and sisters. No matter where life took him, he called to simply check in with them on a regular basis. Soon after graduating from Fruitport High School in 1977, Bill met and married Denise Gemzer. They were eventually blessed with the births of two children, Michael and Katie. With the economy at an all time low, they moved their family to Arkansas where Bill worked at a lumberyard. After several years, they returned to the Muskegon area and parted ways as a couple when their marriage ended in divorce. Above all, Bill was grateful for the children from their union. Bill tried his hand at love again when he met Jan Pickard, who had a son of her own, Chris. Soon joined in marriage, before long they welcomed a new baby boy into their lives, Josh. With an undeniable love for the two boys, Bill raised them both as his own. In time Bill moved his family to Georgia. He worked at various jobs including driving truck and did some landscaping. He truly enjoyed landscaping, and was quite good at it, too. Their home was filled with plants, and he had a natural knack for knowing how everything needed to grow, where plants should be planted, and how to care for them. After eight years in Georgia, they made their way back to Muskegon where Bill secured a job with the Shape Corporation as a welder and machine operator. Following 14 years, Bill's marriage to Jan also came to an end. Life as Bill knew it forever changed when he met one of his coworkers and true soul mate, Sandra Holley. They shared their first date together by attending a Muskegon Fury Hockey game, and found they had much in common. Like two peas in a pod, Bill and Sandra found in one another a tried and true love. When one started a sentence, the other could easily complete it. Not long after they started dating, Bill moved into Sandras home in Grand Haven. Four years later, while on vacation in the Bahamas, they decided, at the spur of the moment, to become husband and wife. On December 9, 2004, the bartender served as Bill's best man while the other hotel patrons joined in as their guests. For years to come, Bill and Sandra remained friends with many of these folks who shared in their special day. With a fondness for sand and beaches, in their early years together, Bill and Sandra loved vacationing in Mexico. Bill also loved spending time with his family with whom he remained close. He always looked forward to family potlucks and cookouts. He loved cooking on the grill, and made some of the best grilled food around. At every opportunity, he enjoyed riding his bike, and remained an avid fisherman. Although Bill had his share of challenges, it was his great sense of humor and ability to tell engaging, wonderful stories that endeared him to many. Yet his greatest challenge and demon was his dependence on drinking. He tried everything to control it, having gone through rehabilitation several times, but to no avail, he just could not beat it. Bill suffered greatly after the death of his father, and his drinking only got worse. He eventually lost his job at Shape after 23 years, and sunk into a deep depression. Everything began taking a toll on Bill's life, especially his body. He was in and out of the hospital many times over the last few years, but he simply could not beat the very thing that controlled him. The one thing Bill could never be robbed of was the love of family and those closest to him. Within his heart there remained a man whom everyone loved and admired. A man with great qualities and the eagerness to succeed. Even though Bill struggled, he will be remembered for his fun-loving spirit and goodness . . . because his battle is over. Mr. William "Bill"' T. Poston, age 55, passed away Monday, October 6, 2014 at home. SURVIVORS: His wife of 11 years, Sandy; sons, Michael of Georgia, Josh of Muskegon; daughter, Katie (Fiance Craig) Doyle of Grandville; stepson, Chris Clay of Muskegon; nine grandchildren; mother, Bonnie Poston of Fruitport; sisters, Joan (John) Plummer, Venia (Frank) Kuzyk, and Tracy Burns, all of Montague, Bonnie (Tim) Bannink of Norton Shores; many nieces, nephews and cousins; special friend , Emmett Moore. He was preceded in death by his father. MEMORIAL SERVICE: Saturday, October 11, 2014, 3:00 PM at the Clock Chapel-Grand Haven. Please visit www.clockfuneralhome.com to leave a favorite memory of Bill and to sign his online guest book. Clock Funeral Home- Grand Haven.