01/06/2018
William Robert "Bill" Awtry of Harvey, Iowa passed away January 6, 2018 at Legacy Lodge of the Circle of Life Hospice in Chariton, Iowa.
Visitation for Bill was held from 11:00 a.m. until 8:00 p.m. on Thursday, January 11th, 2018 at the Winfield Funeral Home of Knoxville. Bill's family greeted friends from 6:00 p.m. until 8:00 p.m.
Funeral services were held at 10:30 a.m., Friday, January 12th, 2018, also at the Winfield Funeral Home, with Elder Bill McDonald officiating. Burial with military honors will follow services at Breckenridge Cemetery in rural Knoxville.
William Robert Awtry was born February 11, 1935 in Harvey, Iowa. He is the son of James Miller Awtry and Lula (Terrell) Awtry. Bill was the youngest of the three children. Bill lived his entire life in Harvey with only a short two year move to Knoxville.
Bill attended elementary school in Harvey, then high school in Knoxville. Bill played football in high school which was a large feat catching rides home after practice.
Bill has worked hard his entire life, starting at age five which lead to him purchasing his own bicycle to deliver newspapers. Throughout his life Bill took on many hats and tasks.
At the age of 16 Bill began his employment at Pella Rolscreen with his father. Losing his father at age 16, bill began his adult life early.
On October 12, 1956 Bill united in marriage to the love of his life Beverly Ann Beaver). To this union three children shared in love; Marcy, Bill, Bob. They raised their family in Harvey and enjoyed 48 years of marriage before Beverly's passing on April 15, 2005.
In 1957 Bill went into the Army and was stationed in Okinawa, Japan. After returning to the states he was a medic in the National Guard for six years and returned to Rolscreen which he worked for over 45 years.
Bill was a volunteer fire chief, fire fighter and a former Fire Chief for over 40 years for Harvey-Clay Township Fire Department. Bill was also a rescue medic for the Knoxville Race Track and an ambulance driver for Evans Ambulance Service.
Bill was a Do It Yourself man and dedicated to his family. He had the time to always tell a story and relive every word.
Bill is survived by his daughter, Marcy Leeper (David) of Harvey; two sons, Bill Awtry (Cathy) of Coralville and Bob Awtry (Dannella) of Harvey; six grandchildren, Amy Robbins (Dan), Drew Leeper (Kelly), Cole Leeper, Hannah Hirota (Nick), Joey Awtry (Brooke), and Briar Awtry (Fiancé Julie Audas); two great grandchildren, Xander and Brendon.
He is preceded in death by his wife of over 48 years, Beverly (Beaver) Awtry; parents, James and Lula Awtry; one sister, Mary Ellen Rose; and one brother, Jim Awtry.
Winfield Funeral Home is assisting Bill's family with services. Online condolences can be sent to www.winfieldfh.com.