Bill McCallie, 85

Delbert B. McCallie, age 85, of Three Rivers, passed away on Tuesday, Jan. 26, 2021 at Spectrum Gerber Memorial Hospital following a brief illness. He was born on April 29, 1935 in Manilla, AR.; the son of the late William Lonzo and Hallie Mae (Gabbard) McCallie.

Bill moved to the Three Rivers area in 1956 and lived there until 2017 when he went to live with his daughter Debra until his death.

Bill worked for several paper mills before retiring from Dayco Manufacturing in Three Rivers where he was active in the union and served as Union President for one term.

He was an avid hunter and fisherman. Bill played fast pitch softball as a pitcher into his 60’s.

In his later years he became a member of the Calvary Missionary Baptist Church. There were many projects for improving the church building that he participated in. Bill didn’t like just sitting around all the time. He not only enjoyed hunting he enjoyed just being in the woods. Sometimes he would cut up down trees to clean up the forest or fields, other times he would just walk around enjoying the sights, sounds and wildlife in the woods. He enjoyed gardening. Many years he planted and harvested many kinds of vegetables and strawberries. In his later years keeping his yard mowed and free of leaves became a passion. During the winter months he turned to keeping the driveway and parking areas clear of snow. When he had nothing else to do he fixed most any kind of small engines for himself and friends.

Bill was preceded in death by his parents; his wife of 62 years, Marie; daughter, Freda McCallie; brothers, Earl, Burl, Jay, Ed, and Looney McCallie. Sisters, Pearl Hambrick, Julia Weatherley, Corene Cox, Lucy Forrister, Hazel Brown, Lila McCallie, Virgie McCallie, and Bobbie Collard.

Delbert leaves to cherish his loving memory, daughters, Sherry (Keith) Sutton and Debra (Rick) Jordan; sons, Del and Keith McCallie. Grandchildren, Rayann Luegge Heingartner, Dane Luegge, Erick, Haylie, and Tristan Jordan; Michelle, Amber, and Michael “BJ” McCallie, step grandsons, Bryan and Rob Sutton. Fifteen great-grandchildren. Four sisters, Ruby Minyard, Doris Murray, Maryann Griener, and Helen Bronstetter.

The family will have a private service on Monday, Feb. 1, 2021. Interment will be held in Poe Cemetery, Newberg Twp., Michigan.

Memorial donations may be donated to the American Heart Association or the Charity of One’s Choice. Envelopes available at Hohner Funeral Home.