William R. Andrews, Sr.

April 14, 1936 - June 28, 2018

SOUTH BEND - William Richard Andrews, Sr., of South Bend, Indiana, peacefully died at dawn on June 28, 2018. Bill was deeply loved and cared for by his entire family and passed into the next life while in their company.

Bill was born to George and Helen Andrews at his family home on Adams St. in South Bend on April 14, 1936. He graduated from South Bend Central High School and worked for AT&T his entire adult life until retirement. In 1956, Bill wedded the love of his life, Carol Joy Long, and enjoyed 57 years of marriage. Carol Joy died in 2013. In addition to his parents and his wife Carol, Bill was preceded in death by his only sibling, brother James Andrews of Lawton, MI, in 2016.

Bill and Carol had four children: Vicki (Gary) Grauel of South Bend, Donna (Ed) Cooper of Central Point, OR, William, Jr. (Debbie, now deceased) Andrews of South Bend, and Dr. Robert (Lynne) Andrews of Chicago. Bill and Carol were active members of American Turners of South Bend until they moved to Gravel Lake in Lawton, MI, in 1987. During their retirement years they were able to visit 49 of the 50 United States of America, which included cruises to Hawaii and Alaska. They returned home to South Bend in 1998 and still traveled on occasion. Those who worked for Bill at AT&T spoke of his generous heart towards his men, and those who knew Bill complimented his genuine care for others, his quick and warm wit, and the dignity with which he carried himself.

Bill and Carol had 11 grandchildren: Jeremy (Kate) Grenert, Todd (Jacquelyn) Grauel, Christopher (Hilary) Cooper, Carolyn (Timbo) Anderson, Amy (Josh) Atwood, Kaitlyn Andrews, Jason Andrews, Jacob (Abby) Andrews, David Andrews, Benjamin Andrews, and Samuel Andrews. At his death, Bill also had 15 great-grandchildren: Olivia Grenert, Isabella Grenert, Liam Grauel, Seth Grauel, Cullen Grauel, Ethan Cooper, Heidi Cooper, Adelyn Anderson, Wyatt Anderson, Ava Anderson, Amarys Anderson, Elyn Atwood, Emery Atwood, Elsie Atwood, and Ivan Andrews.

Bill Andrews' family line has a long and distinguished heritage in South Bend and beyond. His great-grandfather, James E. Andrews, was among the very first settlers of South Bend, IN, arriving in 1836. Prior to that, his family line extended back to colonial America in New York and Massachusetts.

Although Bill did not raise his family with any religious persuasion, he personally came to clear Christian faith during the last 18 months of his life. He was baptized by his son days prior to his death. May God bless our memory of him and comfort those presently suffering from his death!

Bill's Memorial Service will be held at Bubb Funeral Chapel, 3910 N. Main St., Mishawaka, on Saturday, July 14 at 1:00PM. Visitation will be from 11:30AM- 1PM.

07/08/2018 JFC