Through an unexpected chain of events I reconnected with our classmate, Bill Wells. Not wanting to miss an opportunity, I found out that Bill was quite willing to complete the brief “Interview” we have been using with the other mini-biographies you’ve been reading on our web site. Once again I am awed at the great lives our classmates have lived since our high school days. Calculating the far-reaching contributions of our graduating class to our society is impossible. Keep reading to find out how Bill has spent the last 50 years of his life…

Bill was born in Dayton—as most of us—on May 7, 1946. He is the youngest among his siblings and was raised primarily by his father. He attended Trotwood-Madison Elementary for grades 1-5, Grace A. Greene for grade 6, Kemp Elementary and Grace A, Greene for 7th, and Johnsville-New Lebanon for 8th grade before heading to Colonel White. His favorite elementary teacher was Mrs. Jones (easy name to remember!). He esteems many of his high school teachers, but his favorite was Coach Eby. He appreciated Coach’s organization and discipline. Bill graduated 73rd in our class of 365 and affirms that CW prepared him well for college and life in general.

While growing up, Bill considered himself an “outdoor kid.” In the good ‘ole days, he played the games we all remember well: cowboys and Indians, Superman, Tarzan, Red Rover, and tag. His siblings and neighborhood friends were willing participants.

When trying to recollect some of the highs and lows of his school years, he remembered that he was expelled from 5th grade band for “disrupting” the class due to his ineptness in the music area. Disrupting any class in those days was cause for discipline. He discontinued trying to learn to play the coronet, but he still loves music. In fact, his love for music keeps him from giving up the desire to take ballroom dance lessons.

High school offered Bill a chance to shine. He was on the track and cross country teams along with wrestling and his personal high points were scored there. He was on the 1962 CW Wrestling Team that won the 1962 City Championship, and Bill contributed by placing second in his 127 pound weight class. It was his great pleasure to have Dick Scott as a teammate and role model and he was actually able to beat him occasionally! This team victory contributed to Bill’s ability to obtain a college track scholarship. During his CW days, Bill developed a close friendship with Ron (Ronnie) House; Ron was Bill’s other role model. He and Ron have maintained their friendship over the years, and they now live in the same city (Richmond, Kentucky) where Bill performs volunteer service in Ron’s business. Bill does the clerical and administrative duties that free Ron to do the selling and financial planning for his clients. Plus, he has the freedom to set his own hours…who wouldn’t like that! Their friendship has provided the kind of support we all need as we tread through life’s changes.

Following high school Bill attended Tennessee Technical University (TTU) for two years before joining the U. S. Air Force in 1966. He is one of our esteemed veterans of the Viet Nam war (he is named in our Military Hall of Fame). After he finished his Air Force enlistment, he resumed his college education at Eastern Kentucky University (EKU). He earned his Bachelor of Science in 1973 and his Master of Education in 1977. Knowing from a young age that he wanted a career in education for those with special needs, in college he focused on teaching special education courses (learning disorders and behavior disorders).

Even though he was initially concerned that he might not find a job in his career field, he was appointed as a Veteran’s Counselor for EKU. Following that successful endeavor he secured a 25-year career as a Rehabilitation Counselor for the Michigan Department of Education. Bill spent his entire career helping underprivileged men and women, military and civilian, find jobs, meaning for life, and a full range of other services. Special accomplishments include being track and cross-country team captain during his two years at TTU (1965 and ’66) and setting new school records in track. The Michigan Department of Education awarded him District Counselor of the Year in 2001. On the opposite end of the spectrum, his most embarrassing moment was when he walked into the women’s restroom in the Los Angeles International Airport…he and Rick Sykes have this in common!

Bill met his wife in Battle Creek, Michigan, and they were married in 1968. Sharing a great love for children, they adopted three daughters and were foster parents for many children during their 43 years of marriage. His wife, Penny, passed away in 2011. Even while managing his own health challenges, he faithfully cared for his wife until her time on earth was finished.

Bill reluctantly admits that his hobby is TV. He was so busy taking care of others during his marriage and career that he forgot to spend time on himself. His favorite food is meatloaf, and his favorite color is blue. Pets? He has two dogs and a cat that comes and goes! If he could live anywhere in the world—with no restrictions or hindrances—he would like to live in Hawaii. Bill has never traveled to Europe and would also like that experience. Again, he is looking for that gal who would enjoy taking dance lessons with him! Anyone want to accept that invitation?" He plans to join us at this coming October Night Out (October 6), so let’s all get-together!