Obituary

William Roy Coryell, age 72 of Buckeye, AZ died March 30, 2019, in Goodyear, AZ. He was born March 15, 1947, in Mt. Clemens, MI, the oldest of four children born to Earl and Grace Ruehle Coryell. He grew up in Northern California. He was a good athlete in high school and lettered in Track and Field and Cross Country.

William was a proud member of the US Marine Corps and was honored to serve two tours of duty in Vietnam. Both tours were cut short because of wounds that he received, the second wound initiating an honorable discharge. As a result of his service, William earned the National Defense Medal, the Armed Forces Expedition Medal, the Vietnam Service Medal, the Republic of Vietnam Cross of Gallantry with Palm, and the Purple Heart. He was a member of the American Legion, Disabled American Veterans, and VFW.

William was the lead custodian for the Cartwright Elementary School District. Though his behavior was sometimes rough, he was always aware of the wants of the children and would often quietly purchase needed items for them. He never let his injured knee stand in the way of serving others, and helped install flooring for many people, despite having a leg that would not bend.

William was a great husband, father, and grandfather. He met his wife, Sandra at the Orange Show in San Bernadino, CA. They were married for 50 years and were the best of friends. They did everything together, including babysitting their granddaughter, Lilly from the time that she was born. He worked hard to ensure that his children had what they needed as well as what they wanted. He loved them no matter what and took time to be with them and teach them valuable lessons, like car repair and fishing.

William’s granddaughter Lilly was the love of his life. He felt blessed to have the ability to spend so much time with her. He taught her how to fish, played Barbie’s, had tea parties, took her to Disney on Ice, the Grand Canyon, Bearizona, Disney Land, and horseback riding every other week. He even allowed her to practice her budding makeup skills on him. His family loved him dearly, and his oft-repeated reply still rings true, “Love you more!”

William is survived by his wife, Sandra June Coryell; daughters, June Coryell, and Melissa Garsha; son, Roy Coryell; sisters, Kathy Sweetland, and Lynda Bonacci; brother, Robert Coryell; grandson, Tyler Coryell; and granddaughter, Lillian Garsha. He was preceded in death by his father, Earl Coryell. Condolences for the family may be left at www.ThompsonFuneralChapel.com.