William M. “Bill” Courtney, 94, of Ephrata, and formerly of Malvern, died Wednesday, May 25, 2016, at Hospice and Community Care in Mt. Joy.
He was the loving husband of Ruth E. (Hixson) Courtney, with whom he celebrated 71 years of marriage on Feb. 18. Bill was born Dec. 25, 1921, to Martha Alderton and William McKinley Courtney in Sleepy Creek, W.Va.
He graduated from Hancock High School in Hancock, Md., and was inducted into the U.S. Army 80th Division, 317th Infantry. Bill served during World War II. After being wounded and recuperating for nine months, he was honorably discharged in October 1945.
In 1947, Bill graduated with honors from Pace Institute in New York City with a degree in marketing, advertising, and sales. He attended Pace Institute under the GI Bill. Over the years he was a salesman for Orange Truck Sales and Service in East Orange, N.J.; R.J. Reynolds Tobacco Co. in Winston Salem, N.C.; F&L Fittings in Camp Hill; and Process Components in New Brunswick, N.J.
He was a charter member, former choir member, and deacon emeritus of Reformed Presbyterian Church in Ephrata.
In addition to his wife, Ruth, he is survived by three children: Donna E., wife of Carl D. Gholson, of Scottsville, Ky.; Jeffrey A. Courtney of Willow Street; and Pamela S., wife of Andrew H. Brackbill, of Lititz; six grandchildren; one nephew; and several nieces.
Memorial services will be held at Reformed Presbyterian Church, 21 E. Locust St., Ephrata, on Saturday, June 25, at 11 a.m. Visitors will be received between 10 and 11 a.m.
Arrangements made with the assistance of Paul L. Gravenor Home For Funerals, Ephrata. To send online condolences, visit gravenorhomeforfunerals.com
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