Obituary: Mcelroy, Billy Beauford
Age 87
Bill was born on September 29th, 1926, in Waynesville, North Carolina, the son of John and Edith Arrington McElroy.
He was 10 years old when his father began working on Grand Coulee Dam and the family moved to Washington State.
After the dam was finished the family moved to Moran Prairie in Spokane, Washington.
It was while working at Diamond Ice and Fuel in Spokane that Bill met his future wife Virginia.
He worked for Texaco, Inc. for 36 years beginning in Spokane, Washington, transferring to Helena, Montana to manage the Bulk Plant and later transferring to Seattle, Washington where he was the Terminal Superintendent when he retired.
Bill and Virginia realized their dream and built their retirement home on the Pend Oreille River in Sagle, Idaho where they enjoyed spending time with family and friends.
Bill and Virginia had 57 wonderful years together.
Virginia preceded Bill in death in 2005.
He is survived by three children and spouses, Dona and Dave Martinson of Kailua-Kona, Hawaii, Sharon and Roger Schoen of Spokane Valley, Washington, Alan and Margaret McElroy of India; four wonderful grandchildren, Kim Stotts of Spokane Valley, Washington, Justin Martinson of Milpitas, California, Katie McElroy of Sydney, Australia, and Billy McElroy of Kansas City, Missouri; loving daughter-in-law Mary McElroy of Spokane Valley, Washington; and second sons Ron McNett of Greenacres, Washington and David Bossio of Otis Orchards, Washington.
He is also survived by his sisters Helena Bossio of Spokane, Washington and Barbara (Daryl) Bailly of Loon Lake, Washington and his brother Jack (Carol) McElroy, Kennewick, Washington; and numerous nieces, nephews, and extended family.
He was so loved by all his family and friends and will be deeply missed by them.
Bill will be remembered for his wisdom, his unconditional love, his charm and quick wit.
A celebration of his life for family and friends will be held from 2-4 pm, Saturday, September 28th, 2013 at Alpine Vista Apartments, 1705 Pine Street Sandpoint, Idaho.
In lieu of flowers the family suggests donations to Celebrate Life, PO Box 420, Ponderay, Idaho, 83852.
The family would like to send a very heartfelt thanks to Dr. Robert Cope, Dr. Charles Crain and staff of Internal Medicine Associates of Sandpoint, North Idaho Cancer Center and Bonner General Hospital for the many years of excellent care.
Also our thanks to the Alpine Vista Apartment Staff for providing his “second home” for many years.
The family would also like to extend their gratitude to Dr. Scott Burgstahler and the wonderful staff at Life Care Center of Sandpoint for their loving care.
He was also preceded in death by his parents and brother.
Family and friends are invited to sign Billy’s online guestbook at www.coffeltfuneral.com.
Arrangements are entrusted to the care of COFFELT FUNERAL SERVICE.