Bill Tinsley, 77, of Bellefontaine passed away Thursday, September 9, 2021, at the Cleveland Clinic.
He was born October 16, 1943, to the late William F. Sr. and Alice G. (Egts) Tinsley in Dayton, Ohio. On December 31, 1980, he married Susan D. (Earick) Slabach who survives. He is also survived by a sister, Karen “Kitty” (Dan) Mayer. He was preceded in death by brothers Jack Tinsley and Charles Tinsley and sisters Carole Spring and Joanne Withrow. Bill was also preceded in death by infant grandson Rodney Tinsley Jr, and mother and father in-law Earl and Lucy Earick.
Bill served in the United States Army stationed in Germany from 1966-1968. He worked for the family business, Tinsley’s IGA until he purchased it in December of 1975. He then built and opened a new store in January of 1979. After retirement, he worked in customer service at Kroger.
Bill enjoyed scuba diving, traveling, boating, reading, playing cards, drag racing, his tomato garden, his little dog Maggie, and most of all, spending time with his family.
He is survived by son Rodney L. (Dee) Tinsley, daughters Christine M. Grazioso, Laurie A. Tinsley, and Kelly S. Smith. Bill’s family also included 10 grandchildren, 14 great-grandchildren and several nieces and nephews.
Pastor Bill Walker will officiate a memorial service at noon Saturday, September 18, at Jennings Farley & Seeley Funeral Home & Crematory, 5591 US Rt 68 S, West Liberty, Ohio. Visitation will be from 10 a.m. until time of service.
In lieu of flowers, the family requests donations to be made to Holland Theatre or Local Food Banks.