William D. Yingling, 86, died peacefully of natural causes in Clarksville, Tennessee on December 16, 2019.
Mr. Yingling is proceeded in death by his parents, Harold and Cecile Yingling, his brother Harold Yingling, his sisters Verna Lou Blue and Patricia Jean Metz as well as his beloved wife of 42 years, Marie Yingling.
He is survived by his current wife, Darla Yingling, 13 Stepchildren and ten grandchildren.
A native of West Virginia, Mr. Yingling was the youngest of four children. He grew up from very humble beginnings, but he held true to the values of hard work, family first and that, with faith, all things are possible.
He served as a Korean War-era Soldier in the U.S. Army. Being a soldier was a great source of pride as he set off from home to make something of himself. Bill honorably served our great nation as a tank driver of an M26 Pershing at Fort Knox, Kentucky. Bill received personal recognition and an individual commendation from the Post Commander for performing well on his service exam.
Following his discharge from active military service, he began working from the bottom-up in the grocery industry. A kind, pleasant and gregarious man, he quickly earned promotions to management and he ultimately made a career in management and sales at higher and higher levels. He was selected among hundreds of managers to open new stores in new locations throughout the US, as he was trustworthy and reliable.
In the mid-1980s, Bill achieved the level of regional management in sales, as he had risen through the corporate ranks to repeatedly receive national recognition as an impeccable salesman of Consumer Goods and Health and Beauty Products for both The Great Atlantic and Pacific Tea Company and The Proctor and Gamble Company.
As a Certified Lay Minister of the United Methodist Church, William was instrumental in providing comfort and support to many while assisting the pastoral staff and his congregation.
Still remembering his family’s meager beginnings and struggles with money while growing up poor in West Virginia, Bill saw assisting the needy as his calling.
He helped millions of starving families receive food benefits in the state of Florida after he spoke with the state legislature there, who quickly passed legislation to aid and assist families with food stamp benefits where there previously was no program.
He enjoyed playing card games, boating, music and roller skating. He was a devoted husband and took pride in leading a humble, Christian life. He will be missed.
Tennessee Cremation Care is honored to be entrusted with his cremation services. Please visit www.tennesseecremation.com to leave an online condolence for the family.