William D. Day

William (Bill) Day Sr., 83, a resident of Trenton for more than five decades, died on Monday, March 16, surrounded by loved ones and caregivers.

Bill grew up in Dearborn Heights and was known for his honesty, integrity and patience. He worked as a tool & die maker for Ford Motor Co. for 35 years and was active in the United Auto Workers union. After retirement he enjoyed traveling and spending time with friends and family. He took up ballroom dancing, where he extended his circle of friends and acquaintances. He was the first person in his family to celebrate an 80th birthday. People were drawn to Bill’s easygoing nature, humor and charm.

Bill is survived by his children Christine Day of West Bloomfield; Bill Day Jr. (and spouse Kristi Day) of San Antonio, Texas; and Dr. Elizabeth Day (and spouse Dr. Mark Berry) of Duluth, Minn.; his grandchildren Jackson Oliver and Adrian Oliver; Dr. Cameron Day and Liam Day; and Dominic Berry and Katherine Berry; his siblings Carl Day, Lorraine Dempster, Bob Day, Rita Andring, and Sharon Douglas; his former wife, Claudia Day; dozens of nieces, nephews, cousins, in-laws and other extended family members, and many longtime friends in the Downriver community. He was preceded in death by his parents, Dallas and Rita Day, and siblings John Day, Joan Thorsen and Betty Farrell.

A celebration of life luncheon for Bill’s friends and family is scheduled from noon to 3:30 p.m. on Saturday, April 18 at Hungarian Rhapsody, 14315 Northline Road in Southgate. Please RSVP via text or email with your name(s) to Christine Day at 248-417-2866 or cdayg20@gmail.com.

For those interested in making a donation in memory of Bill, the family suggests the UAW Region 1A Retiree Scholarship Fund, 9650 S. Telegraph Road, Taylor, MI 48180, or Pound Pals Downriver, c/o Wyandotte Animal Adoption Center, 1170 Grove, Wyandotte, MI 48192