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William "Bill" Ranney
January 9th, 1933 - October 7th, 2024
William (Bill) Ranney died peacefully at home on October 7, 2024 with his wife Cathy by his side. Both a gentleman and a gentle man, he was a strong ever-present inspiration to so many. Bill was a beloved husband, father, grandpa, great-grandpa and friend who leaves behind a lifetime of beautiful memories to be cherished by all who knew him.
Bill was born in Bloomington-Normal, Illinois on January 9, 1933, to Herbert Ranney and Elizabeth Imig. He was the oldest of three children. His childhood was full of school, Little League, Boy Scouts, and caddying at a local golf course. After high school he went to work for State Farm Insurance in the photostat department – a time before copy machines.
Drafted into the US Army during the Korean War, Corporal Ranney specialized at the Atomic Artillery Battalion. With his service completed, he attended Illinois State University earning a BA degree and teaching certificate while working part-time at an S&H Stamp redemption store….a thing of the past. After graduation he went to work for the Illinois Agricultural Association in the investment department, married and had a son.
In 1964 he moved his family to Southern California where he began his 32-year career with Home Savings of America (HSA), at that time one of the largest savings and loan associations in the United States. He worked in the loan department for several years. In the mid 70’s management wanted to create an employee benefit program to develop a sense of company pride and friendship through recreational activities. Bill was appointed to develop the program, managing it for 20 years and becoming VP of Employee Services. The program started small with the establishment of a company bowling league and softball team, then expanded into tickets for sporting events and concerts at various Los Angeles venues such as Dodger Stadium and the Hollywood Bowl. With over 1,200 employees at the various branches, Bill was able to book private parties at Knotts Berry Farm, the Spruce Goose, the Queen Mary, San Diego Zoo, and Disneyland. He was made an Honorary Citizen of Disneyland in 1995. Eventually he added an annual picnic, holiday dinner-dances, and weekend getaways including golf tournaments and winery tours. When HSA built a new facility in Irwindale, Bill also became the manager of the on-site cafeterias and the employee store. In 1984 he had the great personal experience of coordinating the efforts of two runners in the torch relay for the Los Angeles Olympics. Ultimately, he enjoyed a career of making people happy.
During all this, Bill was raising two boys, taking camping/fishing trips, coaching Little League and participating in Indian Guides. He married Cathy, his best friend, life partner and wife of 45 years, in 1979. By the time he retired in 1995, he was the proud grandfather of three.
Bill and Cathy moved to Sun Lakes, Arizona in 1995. While Bill was happy in his job, he was even happier living the good life of a retiree. He immediately joined the men’s golf league, serving as president from 2007-2008 and remaining active on the board until 2021. He never considered himself to be a great golfer, but he did score three holes-in-one – the first one being the most exciting as his grandson was his golf partner! Along with Cathy he was also an active member of the Ironwood Couples League from 1995-2022.
Bill never believed he was too old to learn or try something new. (He was 46 the first time he skied). At the age of 62 he joined the Rock, Gem and Silver Club where he learned how to make stained glass as well as silver and natural stone jewelry. After taking the classes, he donated his time in the shops. Wanting to share his new-found hobby, he began teaching others the thrill of creating their own unique pieces. Bill enjoyed his retired life, always choosing to be happy, positive and believing in the good of others. He was a kind, caring and giving man, eager to share his creations, his “world famous fudge”, his smile; but he was also a very humble man and found it awkward to accept the thanks of others. He just wanted to give for the pleasure of giving, never wanting to be the center of attention. Bill also possessed a very composed wit, quietly slipping in a remark when you least expected it.
Bill and Cathy enjoyed traveling… golf trips to Myrtle Beach, Idaho, Canada; cruises to Alaska, the Panama Canal and the Caribbean islands, as well as visiting several countries in Europe. But their favorite destination was the beaches of Cancun where they spent their anniversary every year, sharing memories of a wonderful life of true love.
Bill is predeceased by his parents, his brother Pete and sister Lillian. He is survived by Cathy, his loving wife of 45 years; sons Michael (Cathy) and William; grandchildren Jennifer (Joseph), Matthew (Brittney), Michelle (Mason) and Adalynn; great-grandchildren Colin and Isabelle. He embraced being a father, grandfather and great-grandfather and was full of pride for each of them. His family will find comfort in their many shared memories of a life lived with quiet strength and virtue, unwavering humility, never-ending persistence and boundless resilience. Bill will be truly missed by all who knew and loved him.
A Celebration of Life will be held at a future time.
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We Entrusted William Ranney's Care To
Legacy Funeral Home
Legacy Funeral Home began over 20 years ago and has been a compassionate pillar of support for Phoenix, Gilbert, Tempe, and the surrounding areas since its establishment. Legacy is dedicated to honoring the community's diverse needs by offering a comprehensive range of customizable plans and services. Our facilities accommodate incense burning and offer a variety of memorial items and keepsakes to create a personalized tribute that resonates with the uniqueness of each individual's life. Our Spanish-speaking staff is committed to fostering clear communication and understanding, providing comfort to families in their preferred language. We stand ready to guide your family through the delicate process of saying farewell....
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