William B. (Bill) Lemery, 83, of Waterville, passed away unexpectedly on Tuesday, November 16, 2010 at St. Joseph''s Hospital, Syracuse. He was born October 16, 1927, in Vernon, the son of the late Howard and Ruth Nolan Lemery. He was a graduate of Madison Central School and attended Syracuse University. Mr. Lemery was a US Air Force veteran serving with the 82nd Airborne Division. On June 2, 1951, at St. Peter''s Church, Rome, he married Joyce Rutledge. A hard working man with great work ethic, he started two businesses. First he worked as a barber for many years and in 1972 founded Lemery Real Estate. Always busy, he also worked a second job as a bus driver for Waterville Central School, as well as working in insurance sales. After his retirement, he began yet another career as a security guard at St. Elizabeth Medical Center, the Lutheran Homes, and finally at the Utica National Insurance Company. What makes up a life? To Bill Lemery it meant many things. He was an avid sportsman, loved hunting and fishing, visiting nearby forests and ponds, or a good joke or prank. It meant card games with his family, fish fries at local restaurants, quiet summer evenings on the back porch watching "Wheel of Fortune" with his beloved wife Joyce, and enjoying the sounds of the countryside that he loved so much. More often than not, their beloved dogs were by his side, Kosha, Katie and most recently, Bella. Always concerned about family, he wanted to be there for others when needed. Their health, cares, and life challenges were a concern to him. His grandchildren were both esteemed and loved by him. Their travels, adventures, and accomplishments brought him pride always. Whether it was a game of Chinese Checkers with Jenna, a fishing afternoon with Sierra, watching one of Tyler''s football games, hunting with Matt, or holiday dinners with Dana, their youth and spirit touched his heart in a special way. He will be missed dearly by his family and friends. He embraced life fully, working hard to give his family the very best. Once he said to one of his family members, he was sure there was something else out there. This spirituality brought him comfort and wisdom in later years. In keeping with his concern for others, he became an Ombudsman for the Red Cross, the Lutheran Homes, and most recently the Presbyterian Home for Central NY. With great fervor, he was concerned with the local neighborhood by being a member of the Waterville Planning Board. He was deeply aware of the windmill development plans in the area and worked long and hard on this cause. He was also a former member of the Barton Hose Company. He is survived by his wife, Joyce; two daughters and a son-in-law, Suzanne Lemery of Sauquoit and David Drew of Utica and Linda and Steve Prothers of Amherst, MA; a son and daughter-in-law, Doug and Debbie Lemery of Waterville; a sister and brother-in-law, Lois and Charles Roberts of Hamilton; a brother, Art Lemery of Lebanon and his partner, Cheryl; five grandchildren, Jenna Prothers, Sierra Prothers, Tyler Lemery, Matt Hutchings and Dana Hutchings, Jr; his in-laws, John and Agnes Rutledge, Sharon Sheen, Betty and Donald Tudman, Carol Collier, Peggy Rutledge and Theresa Lemery; and many nieces and nephews. He was predeceased by a son, Bradley Lemery; and a brother, Jack Lemery. The funeral will be Friday morning at 10 at the Kloster-Northrop & Bentz Funeral Home, 210 E. Main St., Waterville, with Rev. Ed Townsend officiating. Interment will be in Deansboro Cemetery. Calling hours are Thursday evening (tonight) from 4-7. The family wishes to extend a special thank you to all the doctors and nurses that cared for him throughout his lifetime, and to the special folks at St. Elizabeth Medical Center, St. Joseph''s Hospital, the Waterville Area Volunteer Ambulance Corps, and Kunkel Ambulance.