William S. Laney

William (Coach Bill) Shelton Laney was born on March 9,1943 in Starke, Florida to Lorene and Shelton Laney. He spent his first 2 years of his life in Florida before moving to Arab, Alabama, then eventually to south-eastern Michigan. Along with his siblings, Naomi Ruth, Elizabeth, Linda Gail, and Debby, Bill came from humble beginnings. Bill showcased his natural athletic abilities at Fitzgerald High School by running track and playing football – even setting several long-standing school records in track events. To earn some pocket change, Bill worked a paper route and enjoyed his work at Jefferson Beach Amusement Park. After graduating high school in 1961, Bill and his friends lived their best lives by traveling around and even worked in an orange juice factory in Florida to earn some extra money to make it back home. In 1963, Bill enlisted in the United States Army and was stationed in both Korea and Vietnam. While on leave, Bill met Sue Michals on a blind date that was set up by some mutual friends. Sue was less than impressed by Bill. However, when Bill’s leave was done and he left for Vietnam, he wrote Sue several letters back home, which were unanswered. But, when Bill’s time in the Army came to an end in 1966, Bill ran into Sue again at a local hangout and things had changed. They began a courtship that led to marriage in October of 1967. The newlyweds made a home in a flat in Detroit before moving to Warren, then Centerline, then East Detroit, and finally Chesterfield. During this time, they were blessed to grow their family to 5, Monica, Steve, Jeremy, Josh & Ryan. Bill spent the bulk of his time coaching Jeremy’s, Josh’s & Ryan’s soccer teams, attending soccer games, and traveling across the region supporting his kids’ soccer exploits. He was celebrated for taking a low-level team and growing them to one of the best teams in the state. After a career of over 30 years with Chrysler, Bill retired in 2001. His long days in the shop behind him, his life became much more leisurely, as he spent his days watching his favorite TV shows and movies, completing Sudoku and crossword puzzles, reading books, and chatting with family and friends at his favorite restaurants. As families tend to, Bill’s family grew as he and Sue were blessed with 10 grandchildren over the years, Jacob, Parker, Emma, Ava (who Bill lovingly referred to as Blondie), Luke, Nick, Connor, Giuliana, Charlotte, and Violet. Bill loved his time with his grandchildren and was always incredibly proud of their accomplishments. In Bill’s later years, though his mind began to suffer from dementia, he never lost his sharp wit, stories of his younger years, one-liners, and his favorite Korean phrases. In the early morning hours of August 25, 2022, Bill took his last breath and faithfully walked into the sweet arms of Jesus while his wife of 54 years held his hand. He is preceded in his passing by his mother and father, as well as 3 of his sisters, Naomi Ruth Holmes (Wesley), Elizabeth Loffredo (Richard), and Linda Gail Ott (Roger). Bill nods a fond, “see you later” to his loving wife, Susan Laney, in addition to his children, Monica Laney (Erik Meyer), Steve (DeShawna), Jeremy (Marisal), Josh (Melissa Courtney), and Ryan (Nickie). Bill also remains in the hearts of his grandchildren, his remaining sister, Debby Holland (the late Pastor Dan Holland), as well as many nieces, nephews, and dear friends. Bill’s family would like to thank all their loved ones for the prayers, support, and encouragement that were so generously sent their way during the final weeks of Bill’s time here on earth. The family has great peace and comfort by faithfully leaning into Jesus’s truth and promise of eternal life through Him. Memorials may be made to Tunnels to Towers Foundation https://t2t.org/.

William S. Laney

March 9, 1943 - August 25, 2022