William “Bill” Lee Hall, fondly known as “Rocky” to many, passed away on August 16, 2024, at 88 in St. Petersburg, Florida. Bill was born on June 24, 1936, in Newcomerstown, Ohio, the son of Thomas H. Hall and Hazel (Fillman) Hall. He spent most of his life in his cherished hometown.
A proud Newcomerstown High School’s Class of 1954 graduate, Bill earned a football scholarship to Ohio University. However, after a car accident ended his football dreams, he chose a new path and enlisted in the U.S. Army in 1956. Serving as a paratrooper in the 101st Airborne Unit at Fort Gordon, Georgia, he completed his tour in 1959. That same year, in May, he married the love of his life, Dolly (Buss) Hall, with whom he shared 40 years of marriage until her passing in 1999.
Bill’s career was as diverse as his talents. He began working for his father-in-law’s auto body and burial vault business before spending 17 years in middle management at General Tire and Rubber’s Chemical Plastics Division. His favorite role, however, was with the Newcomerstown School System as a maintenance worker and bus driver. Known for his quick wit, Bill became a beloved figure among students, who affectionately called him “Rocky.”
Bill loved fishing trips to Canada with his friends, sports, hunting, sharing jokes, and pulling practical pranks on family, friends, and co-workers.
In 1991, Bill and Dolly embarked on a new adventure, semi-retiring and moving to Tampa, Florida, to be near their daughter, Terri, and Dolly’s parents. Bill helped Terri and her husband with their printing business, where he did everything from running the printing press to handling shipping and deliveries. Always the handyman, Bill could tackle any project, from rewiring houses to helping a neighbor restore a classic car.
Bill is survived by his daughter and son-in-law, Terri Lynn (Lance)Hall Rodgers, who live in St. Petersburg, FL; his sister-in-law, Carla Crater Hall; and his nieces and nephews, Kipp (Kathy) Hall, Susan Hall Bourne, Kelly (Tom) Addy, Christopher (Rhonda) Hall, and Kurt (Kathy) Hall. His brother-in-law, John (Janet) Buss II, also survives him; his niece, Penny Lynn Buss; his nephew, John (Tricia) Buss III, and his sister-in-law, Frances Dawn (Buss) Linscott, along with her son, John Curtis (Mary Jo) Linscott, and daughters, Julianne (Dan) Kallman, and JJ (Tim) Danker, cousins Stephen (Carolyn) Fillman, Delores (Chet) McVey, and Amy (Jared) Goettge Helsel, Kathy (Jay) Goettge Harstein, and Ronald (Donna) Yanai. Bill leaves behind many extended great-nieces, great-nephews, and cousins. He was preceded in death by his wife, Dolly, in 1999, his brother, Robert G. Hall, and his parents. Bill was also incredibly grateful for his “Tampa Family,” David and Faye Parsons, who have been a significant part of his life over the past 30 years.
A small celebration of life will be announced and held in Newcomerstown in late September, where family and friends will gather to remember Bill.
Addy Funeral Home
406 West State Street
Newcomerstown, OH 43832
740-498-8111
www.addyfuneralhome.com
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