William "Bill" Gene Sousley

William (Bill) Sousley passed peacefully at his home in Lawrence, MI on Wednesday, April 22, 2026 surrounded by his family. Bill was born September 27, 1932 to Chester Eugene and Mable Sousley. He was the eldest of 7 siblings. He is survived by his children, Kim Thompson and Kelly (Carrie) Sousley, grandchildren Amanda (Dave) Thomas, Amy (Michael) Ohlert, Matthew Thompson and Audrey Gross, and great grandchildren Korben, Jade, Evie, Tamarra and Delaney. He was preceded in death by his parents, sisters Georgia, Gladys and Gari and brother Chris. His sisters Gertrude and Gayle also survive to tell the stories of growing up.

Bill served his country proudly in the Korean War and was recently awarded a 50 year commemoration with the American Legion Post 174. He took pride that a Sousley was one of the Iwo Jima flag raisers. He was proud to have been an Honor Flight recipient and cherished his time in Washington DC with his comrades Dick Kroeg and Chuck Moden.

An avid sports enthusiast and hunter provided him with many years of enjoyment and stories too numerous to tell. He was a devoted supporter of boys and girls youth sports and taking care of the ball fields. He was a Little League umpire, a softball coach, a Boy Scout commissioner, a runner and hiker. He shared a hunting cabin ‘up north’ with his dear friends, Charlie Brown, Dick Kroeg and frequent hunting buddies. The tales Camp Bologna could tell!

He was a hard man for a father but mellowed to become a loving and patient grandpa…the title he enjoyed the most. He loved his family fiercely and did not suffer fools lightly. You knew what he thought of you. He loved to tease and loved it more when it was dished back…preferably with a sassy attitude.

In his later years, he shared many of them with his dear companion, Reva Carrington, prior to her passing. The last 5 years were devoted to his lion-hearted tiny dog, Peaches. A dog he swore was smarter than most people!

Family and friends will gather to share the memories of Bill on Saturday, May 16, 2026, at the Lawrence United Methodist Church, 122 S. Exchange Street, Lawrence. Visitation will be from 10:00 a.m. to 12:00 p.m. A memorial service will take place at 12:00 p.m. followed by a military honors funeral at the Veteran’s Hill Cemetery. A luncheon will be held at the American Legion Post 174.

In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions to the American Legion Post 174 will be welcomed.