William B. "Bill" Sullivan

William B. "Bill" Sullivan, Jr., age 89, of Battle Creek passed away Thursday afternoon, June 24, 2021. He was born in Battle Creek on April 28, 1932, the loving son of William "Will" and Madiline (Farleigh) Sullivan, Sr. and graduated from Battle Creek Central High School with the Class of 1950. Bill faithfully served his country as a member of the United States Air Force from 1951 – 1955, serving in Korea and Okinawa. He retired from Union Steel in Albion after more than 32 years and then served the Pennfield and St. Philip Schools as a bus driver for several years.

Bill married the "Love of His Life", Mildred I. "Millie" Goette in Thunderbolt, Georgia on January 8, 1955; she survives. He is also survived by his son, John Sullivan; his daughters, Carol (Tom) Riste and Mary (Doug) Pennock, all of Battle Creek; nine grandchildren, ten great-grandchildren; and two great-great grandchildren. Bill was sadly preceded in death by two sons, William "Billy" III. and David; his parents; and two sisters, Joyce Buys and Patt Carr.

Bill was an active member of Trinity Lutheran Church, and also a member of the P.N.A. and the Eagles. He enjoyed playing baseball, golfing, bowling, and spending time with his family.

The family will receive friends 5:00 to 7:00 p.m., Tuesday, June 29th at Farley Estes Dowdle Funeral Home & Cremation Care, Battle Creek where funeral services to celebrate Bill's life will be held 1:00 p.m., Wednesday, June 30th with Pastor Kjersten Sullivan of Trinity Lutheran Church, officiating. Interment with military honors will follow at Hicks West Pennfield Cemetery. In lieu of flowers, please consider making donations to Trinity Lutheran Church 2055 E. Columbia Ave. Battle Creek, MI 49017. Personal messages for the family and/or favorite memories of Bill may be placed at www.farleyestesdowdle.com.