Bill was born on August 11th, 1947, in Ypsilanti, Michigan, the second of four children born to Dale and Jean (Ridge) Lyon. He grew up in Wayne, Michigan, and graduated from Wayne Memorial High School, Ferris State University, and Eastern Michigan University.

Bill married Janice (Hoffman) on September 20, 1969, in Applegate, Michigan. Together, Bill and Janice raised twin boys Michael and Mark. He worked for Northwest Airlines at Detroit Metro Airport before retiring and moving to Leelanau County in 1988. He had a second career as a custodian at Glen Lake Schools, where he was known for reading to the students, performing magic tricks, dressing up as Santa and the Easter Bunny, and volunteering with the Odyssey of the Mind.

Bill was an outgoing, deeply loved man who enjoyed sports and sports trivia, playing cards, and spending time with family. He especially loved telling stories and riddles to his grandchildren. Bill was great at making people laugh with an endless supply of jokes. He lived a full life and enjoyed coaching baseball and being a scout master when his boys were young. Bill was an active volunteer in his community and a dedicated fundraiser for the Traverse City Shriners Club. Bill was a proud Demolay, second-generation Mason, and member of the Empire Masonic Lodge.

Bill is survived by Janice, his wife of 56 years, his sons Michael (Christy) and Mark (Sarah), his grandchildren, Alex, Mariella, and Isaac, and his sisters, Jan (Tom) Nichols and Cheryl (Terry) Jelenek.

He was preceded in death by his parents, Dale and Jean, and his brother, Terry.

A funeral service will be held on September 5, 2026, at 11:00 am at The Empire United Methodist Church, where Bill was a long-time member. Visitation will be held at the church preceding the service at 10:00 am.

Memorial donations can be made in Bill’s name to the Michigan Masonic Lodge in Alma, Michigan, or the Empire United Methodist Church.