William Lacey Jr

Early on a Saturday morning, God called William Lacey's name and with joyful anticipation, he heeded the call of the Master and went home to be with God. William Robert Lacey Jr. was born on September 21, 1949 to Frances Johnson Lacey and William R. Lacey Sr. Born and raised in Charleston, West Virginia, he attended public schools and graduated from Charleston High School. While in high school he participated in the police cadet program, where he wore a uniform and rode with the city police in a squad car. His family and friends enjoyed his participation in the program as much as he did because in the evening he would come home and regale them with stories about who did what, when and where. Also what excuses they gave when they were arrested. He attended West Virginia State College and worked for the West Virginia Department of Highways for ten years. In 1974 he moved to Columbus, Ohio where he was employed by the Nationwide Insurance Company for 14 years. Affectionately known as Billy or Bill, he was also known by the nickname Snake among many of his friends because of his fascination with reptiles and the vast amount of information he could quote about them. He was knowledgeable about a great many subjects and could expound upon them at length when prompted. He especially loved history and collected memorabilia and magazines about world war II. Bill was an avid pipe smoker and at one time, had over a hundred pipes in his collection. While working at Nationwide, he was the subject of an article in the company newspaper highlighting his pipe collection. Bill knew and loved the Lord. He could quote the bible and give advice based on it's precepts. In Charleston, he attended the Young Street Baptist Church and upon moving to Columbus he was baptized at Shiloh Baptist Church where he served on the usher board. Bill was an easy going person, quick to laugh and always ready with a joke. He knew everybody in the neighborhood and in the summer he could be seen sitting on the porch, smoking his ever present pipe, speaking and waving to all who passed by. He was a kind and gentle soul, who would give you the shirt off his back. He was always ready to help in any way he could, often running errands for neighbors and friends. Preceded in death last year by his mother, Bill is survived by his loving and devoted sister, Kay Blakely of Cincinnati, Ohio, two nieces, Thomasena Simmons of Columbus, Ohio, Shelia Johnson of Moreno Valley, California and a nephew, Bishop Randy Triplett (Beverly) of Moreno Valley. He also leaves to cherish his memory a host of great nieces and nephews, cousins and other relatives and friends. He was a good man who was greatly loved by his family and friends. His quiet and calm presence will be missed. We loved you Billy, but God loved you more. That's why he took you through heaven's door.