William L. Neese

William L. Neese, age 76, of Toledo, Ohio, passed away September 18, 2023, at Kingston Care Center of Sylvania. William was born March 3, 1947, in Fayetteville, Tennessee, the oldest living child to the late Willie and Lillie (Harwell) Neese.

William graduated from Thomas A. DeVilbiss High School. He had worked for Chrysler for 30 years, where he was known as Bill to his coworkers and friends, but to his family he was known as Fat Man, where he retired, and was an active UAW worker.

A man of faith, he was a member of Calvary Baptist Church, where he faithfully attended. William enjoyed watching football, especially the Cleveland Browns, eating soul food, with sweets being his favorite, dressing up and looking nice, playing cards and listening to 60s/70s/80s R&B and Gospel music.

Traveling was something William enjoyed doing. In his younger years, he would travel at least once a year back to his hometown of Fayetteville. He loved traveling down south and seeing family and old friends.

William was one that was talented with his hands. He would attend police car auctions, where he would buy a car and fix it up for himself or someone else. He also flipped rental properties and even built a deck for his family.

Family was most important to William. He cherished the visits from his grandchildren and great grandchildren. Though not family, he loved getting together with his longtime friends, Lawrence (Pearl) Kennard, Osee (Delores) Burrus. The memories made will forever be remembered.

Those left to forever cherish his memory are his loving children, Stephen (Zelda) Neese, Kimberly Neese, and Francesca Thompson; grandchildren, Ashley Neese, Chelsey Neese, Lexie Neese-Mathaw, Chaundrea Harris and Russell Harris; 13 great grandchildren; 2 nieces, Gwendolyn Smith and Andrea Neese; and a host of cousins, extended family, and many friends.

In addition to his parents, William was preceded in death by his high school sweetheart, Shirley Neese, whom he loved for over 28 years; daughter, Cheryl Neese; son, Willis Neese; and his brother, Andrew Neese.

Family and friends may visit at Newcomer Funeral Home, 4150 West Laskey Road, on Friday, September 29, 2023, from 4:00 pm - 7:00 pm. The wake for William will take place on Saturday, September 30, 2023, from 11:00 am until the time of his funeral service at 12:00 pm, at Calvary Missionary Baptist Church, 702 Collingwood Blvd, Toledo, Ohio 43604.

To share a memory of William or leave a special message for his family, please visit the guestbook below.