William "Bill" Mann Jr.

William H. “Wild Bill” Mann Jr., age 85, passed away August 18, 2021 at St. Rita’s Medical Center after a brief battle with Covid.

Big Bill was born January 11, 1936 in Dante, Virginia to William H. Sr. and Nannie Mann.  While proudly serving in the Air Force during the Korean War, he met Wilma “Crazy Jean” Dyer.  They spent the next 65 years married before her passing in March, 2021.

After Bill’s honorable discharge from the Air Force, Mr. Henry Ford needed Bill and a few hundred friends to build him a new engine plant in Lima.  On completion, Mr. Ford then needed Bill to help build a few new engines, which he happily obliged for the next 35 years.  Somehow along the way, Bill found time to own a Sohio Gas Station and was commander-in-chief of Uptown Antiques for 30 years.

This very busy duo also found time to raise two very handsome sons, David A. (Connie) Mann and William D. (Cybill) Mann.  The real twinkle in Big Bill’s eyes were his grandkids: Emily (Austin) Harmon, Linsey (Kevin) Schneider, McKenzie Mann, William Joseph Mann, and Montana Gillette; great-grandkids, Connor Hanthorn and Eleanor Jean Harmon.

Bill was preceded in death by his brothers, Bobby Mann and John Mann.  Bill also leaves behind four cherished siblings; Jack (Shirley) Mann, Larry (Darlene) Mann, Julia Mann Johnson (Giles), and Joy Mann Powers to continue roaming his beloved hills of Virginia.

A Celebration of Life will take place in a few weeks in Lima; with burial taking place in Virginia this Friday, August 27, 2021 at Castlewood Funeral Home in Castlewood, Virginia.

Rest in Peace Pop, we love ya!!

Condolences may be expressed at www.chamberlainhuckeriede.com .