William Richard Coles III of Caro, age 76, passed away on Tuesday, September, 30, 2014 at his home, following a brief illness. Bill was born May 30, 1938 in Mt. Pleasant, the son of the late William Richard and Pearl (Coppens) Coles, Jr. He was united in marriage with the former Dawne Hatt on January 25, 1960, and she preceded him in death on April 15, 2011. Bill’s diverse career began in trucking, hauling heavy machinery. He would later work for Fisher Body in Grand Blanc for over thirteen years, finishing his time there as an overhead crane operator. In 1978, Bill and Dawne moved to Arizona where he owned and operated the body shop, Masters Automotive, before returning to Michigan to continue as an over the road truck driver with his wife, retiring in 2000. Bill’s life revolved around his family, and he possessed a limitless conviction to be present for his children and grandchildren. He was always the first call a grandchild would make to celebrate an accomplishment, mourn defeat or seek guidance. He never missed the birth of a grandchild and was a constant presence at all of his children’s and grandchildren’s events. He was devoutly religious and an accomplished song writer. Bill played rhythm guitar for his band, and would often perform at events for General Motors and United Way. He attended Caro Assembly of God Church and was a member of Wounded Warriors, Forgotten Man Ministries and the National Rifle Association. Bill also enjoyed restoring old cars, a hobby he continued until recently. He will be deeply missed by his loving family.
Bill is survived by three children and their spouses, Jacqueline Coles of Caro, Roberta and Kevin Smith of Byron, Thomas and Tammy Coles of Saginaw; his grandchildren, William Richard Coles IV and Kayla Toolen of Wyoming, and their daughter Rylee Kay Coles, Krystal Ileene and Thomas Irvine of Saginaw, and their children, Zachary and Clara, Tessa Rene and Joshua Rohde of Elgin, South Carolina, and their children, Elizabeth Ann and Seth, Sgt. Cody Emiel James Lotter of Fort Polk, Louisiana, and Janae Dawne Coles of Saginaw; three siblings, Shurlane and Orphan, Mary and Carl, Jr.; and many nieces and nephews. In addition to his parents and wife, Bill was preceded in death by an infant daughter, Vickie Lynn; grandson, Daniel Arthur Taylor, Jr.; and two siblings, Kate and Sam. A memorial service will be held at 11:00 a.m. on Saturday, October 11, 2014 at the Caro Assembly of God Church in Caro with Rev. David Dietzel officiating. The family will be present to receive friends at the church on Saturday from 10:00 a.m. until the time of the service at 11:00 a.m. Those planning an expression of sympathy may wish to consider memorial contributions to the Coles Family Discretionary Fund. The family was assisted with these arrangements by the Ransford Collon Funeral Home of Caro. Friends may share memories, thoughts and prayers online at www.RansfordCollon.com.