Illustrious Sir William B. Plier, PP
August 12, 1930 - January 9, 2021
Potentate of Moslem Shrine - Southfield, Michigan in 1991
Illus. Sir William (Bill) Plier PP, age 90, died peacefully on January 9, 2021 and is now forever jitterbugging with his beloved wife Carole. He lived an amazing 90 years, born in Oconto Falls, Wisconsin and spending most of his years in Wausau and Milwaukee before moving to Birmingham/Bloomfield, Michigan (but always a Packer Backer). He is survived by his sister Meredith Clark, 94; daughters Marsha Swayze (Paul) of Berkley and Ginger Gorski (Phil) of Manistee; grandchildren Ben Swayze (Kara), Patrick Swayze (Kelly}, Joe Gorski and Sarah Gorski; niece Meriweather Clark-Connor and nephews Jim Clark and Alan Batten; and six great-grandchildren. Bill will be joining his wife Carole at the Great Lakes National Cemetery in Holly, as a veteran of the Korean War.
He was a long time General Motors human resources executive (AC Spark Plug and Detroit Diesel Allison) before becoming a labor relation consultant for several years after. His passion for helping others and community service was evident through his life-time involvement with the Boy Scouts, reaching Eagle Scout status and serving as an Explorer Scout business advisor; Jaycees and village trustee activities in Greendale, Wisconsin; and most importantly his work with the Masons and Shriners, including serving on the Shriners Hospital Board in Chicago, serving as the Moslem Shrine Potentate, and belonging to the Royal Order of Jesters. He was also on the Board of the Murco Foundation which provided charitable grants in Wausau, established through his father’s affiliation with Murray Machinery, a lumber mill equipment company. He was also a long-time member of the First United Methodist Church of Birmingham and a graduate of Carroll University.
Always a kind word for everyone to make them feel special – we will forever hear his lines – “if I was your boss I’d give you a raise” and when asked how he was the response would often be – “better now that I’m with you” or “better than yesterday but not as good as tomorrow”.
In lieu of flowers donations to Shriners Hospitals for Children would be appreciated. The family will be making memorial arrangements in the near future.
The shining sun may kiss the sky, the clouds may kiss the butterfly, the sparkling wine may kiss the glass and you my friend - our one and only Bill – may you live in our hearts forever.