Lovingly devoted to all of us, Bill Winston Teasley, age 92, passed away peacefully in Federal Way, Washington on June 7, 2021. He was preceded in death by his devoted wife of 67 years, Helen Marcia Teasley in Burien, Washington, on July 24, 2016. Bill is survived by his 3 children; Marcia Peterson (Anthony), Steven Teasley (Sue), and Lisa Bouslaugh (Ron), as well as his grandchildren; Shelley Gallion, Jody Doran (Chris), Trevor Teasley (Saori), Kyle Montgomery, Katie Spangler (Zach), Brittany Bakke (Troy), and Jared Montgomery (Halissia), as well as 9 great grandchildren; Andrew Doran, Emma Spangler, Avery Gwynn, Olivia Montgomery, Amelia Doran, Jaxon Costner, Cole Costner, Matthew Spangler, and Matthias Montgomery. He is also survived by his sister, Margaret Wooten of Dalton, Georgia.

Bill was preceded in death by brothers, Thomas Teasley, and Ronald Teasley, both of Dalton Georgia.

Bill was born on October 23, 1928 to Katherine Myrtice Teasley (Maiden name: Cummings), and Eugene Lee Teasley in Dalton Georgia. He had the good fortune of growing up in a loving, God fearing, and very close family. As Margaret, Bill's sister wrote, describing their upbringing: "The folks taught us to laugh, to be compassionate, to be honest, and to love God and each other. What more can one ask for???"

He attended, and graduated from high school at Berry School in Rome, Georgia. He fondly remembers joining a musical vocal quartet, and making lifelong friends. It was a great first time away from home experience for Bill.

After high school graduation, Bill headed out west, and enlisted in the US Navy. He had his basic training in San Diego, California, and would be stationed at Whidbey Island Naval Base in Washington state as an Aviation Storekeeper Airman.

While in Washington, he met the love of his life, Helen Stevens, attending a dance at the Trianon Ballroom in downtown Seattle. They were married on January 18, 1949, Helen's birthday. They would eventually settle in the Seattle area. In a recently discovered letter written to his Mother, Bill wrote, "My ball and chain is sitting here telling me what to say. I'm taking orders from another party besides the Navy now. But really, I love being "hitched"! She is certainly a fine one, and I love her very much! I'm certainly anxious for all of you to meet her!" Over the years, he kept a promise he made to his Mom, that he would bring his Seattle family to visit his Dalton, Ga. family, often. Bill's children agree that the multiple times they travelled across the country, via train, plane, and automobile, getting to spend quality time with their grandparents, aunts, uncles, and cousins were some of the best times of their childhood. The sight of that familiar gravel driveway, leading to the Grandparent's house, where Dad grew up was a very special place!

Bill worked for Safeway Stores in various management positions for over 40 years in the Seattle area. Always a loyal, friendly face, and a hard worker, he made many lifetime friends with customers, and his co-workers.

Upon his retirement at age, 62, Bill and Helen started "snowbirding" each year to Quartzsite, Arizona. Bill was able to partake in many "jams", as he pursued his love of playing guitar, and singing. They made the trek to Arizona over a period of 20 years. In that time, Bill honed his singing, guitar, and performance skills, much to the delight of those in attendance. When back home, Bill and Helen were regulars at the Renton VFW, Wednesday night jam. Folks were always drawn to Bill's charismatic stage presence, and his down home, easy going personality! He had what some call that "It factor". A crowd pleaser, for sure!

Bill's hobbies besides singing, and playing guitar, included collecting guitars, being a lifelong fan of country western music, travelling, camping, as he owned many campers and RVs over the years. He and Helen were very active volunteers in their community. From the American Legion, (Burien Post), the Old Time Fiddlers, the Highline Sportsman's Club, among many. They enjoyed volunteering their services to their community.

Bill loved, and was very proud of the family that resulted from his marriage to Helen. From their 3 children, 7 grandchildren, and eventually, 9 great-grandchildren, Papa Bill beamed with pride when it came to his family.

A nephew of Bill's, Larry Stevens so eloquently stated, "It was a sad occasion to see our beloved Uncle Bill off for the last time, but he and his almost constant smile, his unique chuckle, and his sweet temperament will never be forgotten."

Funeral Service and Military Funeral Honors Ceremony Thursday, July 8, 2021 at Tahoma National Cemetery 18600 SE 240th Street Kent, Wa 98042 at 2:30 pm.

To share your memories and condolences of Bill with his Friends & Family, please visit his Tribute Wall, located above.

- Care & Arrangements Entrusted to Emmick Family Funeral Home -

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