William Henry Townley Sr.

LaCenter, Kentucky, William Henry Townley Sr., born December 10, 1926, was the firstborn child of John D. and Vertie Townley in Lovelaceville, KY. William, sharp minded and full of knowledge, was often referred to as “Mr. Wisdom”. He was the eldest member of Fairview Missionary Baptist Church in LaCenter, KY. Remarkably, this was the same church he attended as a child with his mother and stepfather, Rev. Douglas Brown. As a young boy, he attended class through the 6th grade in a one room school house. His curiosity for the inner mechanics of things led him to later go to study in Wayne State University’s Architecture Program. A WWII Veteran, Mr. Townley served as Military Police in the United States Army. Once he was honorably discharged, he moved to Detroit to seek employment. He found it at General Motors where began as a janitor and later worked his way up to be a Skilled Tradesman working alongside engineers. He retired there after 48 years. William was a lover of automobiles and could tell you without hesitation the year and make of almost any vehicle. He loved motor cycles and rode a Harley Davidson for many years. He would proudly let you know that it was his many years of kickstarting his “Electra Glide” that “wore out” his ankle and hip. Over 2/3 of his 91 ¾ years, was spent with the love of his life, Ida “Sistah” Townley. Together they raised seven children. Both were adamant about pushing their kids to go to school and learn as much as they could. William believed whole heartedly that they could do better, shoot further and aspire to be greater than their parents. One rule mattered most, he didn’t allow quitting. You start, you finish. He was quick to invest greatly in his children and grandchildren with both his time and money. William Henry Townley Sr. passed from life to eternity at his home on Wednesday, December 5, 2018 at 5:20 a.m. Left to cherish many fond memories are three daughters Trevis Gaddies (Detroit, MI), Beverly Moore (Detroit, MI), and Vertie Lorraine Townley (La Center, KY); three sons Earl Gaddies (Detroit, MI), Gary Townley (Detroit, MI) and Keith Townley (Detroit, MI). Three brothers Eugeno A. Townsley (California), Lewis E. Townsley (Canton, OH) and James R. Townsley (Canton, OH); one sister Mary Lee Moody (Canton, Ohio); 17 grandchildren, 23 great grandchildren and numerous nieces, nephews, cousins and friends. He was preceded in death by his wife Ida B. Townley, his son William H. Townley Jr., three sisters, 2 brothers and his parents. Visitation will be Friday, December 14, 2018 from 11:00 a.m. until 1:00 p.m. at Fairview Missionary Baptist Church in La Center, KY. Funeral services will be at 1:00 p.m. with Rev. Rodney Hill officiating. Morrow Funeral Chapel is handling all arrangements and messages of condolence may be left at morrowfuneralchapel.com.

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