William Gillette Jr

Funeral services for William S. Gillette Jr., 81, formerly of Clearwater, will be 11 a.m., Monday, Jan. 29, at Snider Memorial Funeral Home in Clearwater, with Father James Kramper officiating. Visitation will be from 10 to 11 a.m., Monday, Jan. 29, before the funeral service, at the funeral Home. Burial will be in Clearwater Cemetery with military rites by Clearwater American Legion and Son of Legion Post #267.

William passed away Jan. 24, 2024 at Norfolk Veterans Home in Norfolk.

Snider Memorial Funeral Home in Clearwater is handling the arrangements. Condolence may be directed to http://www.snidermemorialfh.com.

~~~

William Stanley Folsom Gillette Jr. was born to William Sr. and Vernie (Miller) Gillette on April 7, 1942, at Dewitt Hospital in Waynesville, Missouri. William was baptized on Aug. 7, 1964, at 63rd Infantry Church Chapel in Fort Leonard Wood, Missouri.

William was raised and attended various grade schools in Kansas. His high school years were 1957 - 9th grade in Page, Kansas; 1958 - 10th grade in Almena Kansas; 1959 - 11th grade in Plattsmouth and he graduated in 1960 from Hubbard. William’s father was a superintendent so they moved to a number of different schools.

On Dec. 8, 1964, William enlisted in the US Army and stationed various locations and he received an Honorable Discharge on March 31, 1970. After William’s active military duties, he continued his service with the Army National Guard, retiring with 20 years of service. During this time, he also worked at various body shops in Nebraska, including North Platte, Columbus and Contois Motor Company in Neligh. Later, William went on to open his own body shop in Clearwater. After William retired from the auto body business, he enjoyed hunting and hiking with his dog, Braun.

William also was a fire arms dealer, along with repairing firearms as a hobby. William was always willing to offer a helping hand and he loved to talk and tell stories of his military days.

In 2016, William’s health was declining and he moved to Arbor Care Home in Neligh. He moved to the Veterans Home in Norfolk in 2018.

William was preceded in death by his parents and brother, Raymond.

He is survived by his special friends/family, Dwaine and Deb Trease, of Clearwater.