William Pryor Radcliff

RADCLIFF, WILLIAM PRYOR,
84,
Portage, Michigan RADCLIFF, WILLIAM PRYOR, 84 , Portage, Michigan, passed away Saturday, October 24, 2009, at his home with his family by his side. William Bill was born April 23, 1925 in Shelbyville, Kentucky, the son of Leonard Pryor and Ida Dickinson Radcliff and had been a resident of the Kalamazoo, Michigan area for many years. Bill was a devoted husband to his wife, Alice, of 64 years, a loving father and a proud grandfather to his three grandchildren. He exhibited a strong Christian faith and love of God throughout his long, wonderful life. He was the quintessential executive, always a dapper dresser, and rarely appeared outside the home without a coat and tie. While Bill had rural, farm boy roots, he rose to great heights in his professional career through his boundless energy, enthusiasm, drive, and positive outlook on life. He began his career as a stock clerk at Scobee Hardware Louisville, KY where he met his bride, Alice. This job was followed by employment with American Standard, the L&N Railroad, and Goodrich Tire & Rubber. His professional career was launched at the General Electric Company where he became principally involved in the start up of the GE Appliance Park in Louisville. He subsequently joined Guardsman Products Inc of Grand Rapids, MI now Valspar Corporation where he worked for over 30 years and eventually rose to President & COO and later retired in 1990 as Vice Chairman. Bill had the gift of endless conversation and was a consummate story teller. He was well traveled, lived in several homes including ones San Bernadino, CA and Ft Pierce, FL, and loved to buy new cars the owner of dozens throughout his life including his first car, a Model T. He had a real passion for golf and was a 32nd degree Mason and active member of the Scottish Rite and Shrine Clubs. Preceding him in death was his loving wife, Alice Singleton Radcliff; his parents; one brother, Leonard Charles Radcliff; and one sister, Blanche Elizabeth Blackerby. Surviving are his two sons, William Pryor Radcliff Jr Margie of Georgetown, Indiana and Robert Parnell Radcliff Karen of Kalamazoo; and three grandchildren, Mark William Radcliff and Mary Elisabeth Radcliff, both of Kalamazoo, and William Pryor Radcliff III, of Indiana. The family will receive friends at the Langeland Family Funeral Homes, Westside Chapel, 3926 South 9th Street on Thursday from 2-4 and 6-8 PM. Following a private family committal service in Portage Central Cemetery, a Memorial Service will be conducted at 2:00 PM Friday in the Second Reformed Church, 2323 Stadium Drive, with Rev. Ralph Robrahn officiating. In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be directed to the Second Reformed Church Memorial Fund. For online guestbook, memories and condolences for the family, please visit www.langelands.com .