Bill R. Bays, 75, passed away peacefully Thursday morning, Aug. 3, 2017, at Parkview Whitley Hospital in Columbia City.

He was born June 10, 1942 and raised in Kosciusko County, the son of Porchman and Pearl (Waddle) Bays, 2nd amongst five siblings. He attended Pierceton High School.

Bill entered the trade of machining, and tool and die making. He worked for several area manufacturing companies including Tuthill Corporation – New Haven, Dana Corporation – Huntington, Manchester Tool & Die – Manchester and Whitley Products – Pierceton. He was a Journeyman Card holder for most his working life, a distinction awarded to the highest-skilled and experienced tool and die makers.

Bill and wife Sheila maintained a nearly 40-acre farm Northwest of South Whitley for more than 50 years, which had both livestock and crops over the years.

An avid collector of model and toy tractors, he often shared his collection with his grandchildren and great-grandchildren.

He is survived by his wife of 55 years, Sheila Bays; his sister, Cora Hicks and brother, Bobby Bays; his daughters, Tammie Gibson and Tonya Boggs; his grandsons, Travis (Michelle) and Tyler (Jennifer) Boggs, and Joe Gibson; as well as several great-grandchildren and many close friends.

Bill is preceded in death by his parents, two sisters and one brother, and son-in-law Fred “Butch” W. Boggs

The funeral service will be held at noon Saturday, Aug. 5 at Smith & Sons Miller Chapel, South Whitley. Visitation will be one hour prior to the service. Burial will be in the South Whitley Cemetery.

Memorials in Bill’s honor may be made to donor’s choice.