William J. Morey

William “Bill” Joseph Morey, a jack of all trades and loving family man, died unexpectedly at home on Tuesday, April 3, 2018. Bill, 56, of Hastings, was born September 6, 1961 in Charlotte, the son of Joseph and Mary (Williams) Morey. He graduated from Charlotte High School before marrying Johanna “Joni” Royston on April 24, 1982 in Charlotte. The two moved to Freeport to start their family and Bill took a job with the City of East Grand Rapids, working as a foreman at the city garage, and as a reserve police officer for the village of Freeport.  He received the Freeport reserve officer of the year for his efforts in stopping a bank robbery.

Bill loved time spent with family in the outdoors, especially fall salmon fishing up north along the Manistee River. He loved fishing, hunting, working on his cars and trucks, and racing. Bill built the cars for the county fair races for his son, Joe, to drive, and sometimes wreck. Bill coached his kid’s sports teams and would do anything to help others and lend a helping hand. Above all, Bill loved time spent with his family and friends, especially his best pals, his grandchildren.

Bill is survived by his wife of 35 years, Joni; daughter, Kari (Dustin) VonItter; son, Joe (Kimberly) Morey; six grandchildren, Wyatt, Hazel and Josie VonItter, and Carter, Ethan and Levi Morey; parents, Joe and Mary Morey; brother, Don (Jan) Morey; and his mother and father-in-law, Joan and Duane Royston; siblings-in-law, Arvid and Katie Salisbury and Greg and Marilyn Royston; and several nieces and nephews.

Funeral services will be at 2 p.m. on Saturday, April 7, 2018 at the New Faith Church of the Nazarene in Charlotte with Bill’s father-in-law, Pastor Duane Royston officiating. Visitation was from 4 to 7 p.m. on Friday, April 6, 2018 at Pray Funeral Home in Charlotte.

Memorial contributions may be made to the family in care of Johanna Morey. Friends and family are encouraged to share memories of Bill on his Tribute Page at PrayFuneral.com.