William R Klug

William R. Klug was born to George and Norma Klug in Chicago on May 17, 1933. He passed away at home on August 29, 2022, in Fort Mill, South Carolina surrounded by loving family. His parents, sister, Norma Lee, and brothers, Robert and Gary, preceded him in death. He is survived by his beloved wife, Shirley, his sister, Melba, his sisters-in-law, Marilyn and Mary, his two children, George and Debbie, and their spouses. He is the proud Grandpa of six and the very proud Great Grandpa of 14. He is a beloved Uncle and friend.

After high school, Bill served his country in the Army until he was honorably discharged in 1954. He began his career at Western Electric and worked tirelessly until retirement at age 54. He married Shirley Williams in 1958 and they spent 64 years together, living in the Chicago area, retiring to Cookeville, TN and eventually settling in Fort Mill, SC.

A service will be held in Indian Land at Pleasant Hill United Methodist Church on Saturday September 17, 2022. The Visitation begins at 2:00 pm and the Celebration of Life will begin at 3:00 pm. Arrangements in the Chicagoland area begin with a short Committal Service that will take place November 5 at 11:00 a.m. at the Hillside Oakridge Cemetery in Hillside, Illinois.  During the afternoon, Visitation to receive family and friends will begin at 2:00 p.m. at Grace Bible Church in Elmhurst, Illinois, which will be followed by a Celebration of Life service starting at 3:00 p.m.

If desired, donations can be made in his honor to Smile Train , an organization close to Bill’s heart. Call 1-800-932-9541 or donate at https://donate.smiletrain.org/givenow

William, known to most as Bill, was a family man, through and through. He experienced the loss of dear family members early in life, shaping his deep sense of duty to protect and care for those he loved. He supported his mother and his youngest brother in his formative years. In 1958, when his sister-in-law introduced him to a “cute” choir girl she knew, Bill found the love of his life in Shirley. As his family grew, so did his love. Throughout his life he took pride in his two children. He worked diligently to provide for them and to share his values and wisdom.

Bill’s love and support didn’t stop at his doorstep but reached into his extended family and community. He would often help family members or neighbors. His job allowed him to support his family, but he had a passion for service. He worked for many years to try to improve the lives of at-risk youth in Cookeville, TN, including volunteering on the board of a boys’ home, helping to restore their house, and procuring much needed supplies.

While Bill could be serious, he also loved a good party; even if that meant that he WAS the party. His big laugh and smile were contagious, even if he was laughing at his own jokes. For a man who often presented as a serious philosopher, he sure looked good in a hula skirt or a Santa suit! His love for fun often inspired others to find their joy, especially his nieces.

Bill will be missed terribly by those who knew him, but he can rest easy knowing that his deepest desire in life, to provide for and share his wisdom with his family, has been realized. While the list is long, here are just a few life lessons he will be remembered for:

Help where you can.
There is no such thing as bad ice cream.
Never judge people by color or creed.
Be adventurous.
The bathroom is never clean enough.
There is value in all forms of art.
Read! It will expand your mind.
Don’t be afraid to laugh at yourself.
Spend your money wisely.
When your sister-in-law wants to set you up on a date, do it!
Family first