William John Zimmermann, Jr.

William “Bill” John Zimmermann Jr., 86 of McCormick SC, passed away peacefully on Monday, December 10, 2018.  He was predeceased by his parents – William and Laura Zimmermann Sr, his daughter – Mari Lynn, his brother and wife – Charles and Marilyn Zimmermann, and brother-in-law – Fred Casper.  He is survived by his loving wife of 59 years, Ellen; children William “Billy” Zimmermann III (Bobby Jo), Kristina Harrington (David), and Stephen Zimmermann; siblings Mary Casper and Barb Zamastil (Don); grandchildren Jessica Casolite, Justin Harrington (Casey), Michael Zimmermann (Allie) and Kaylin Harrington; great-grandchildren Julian and Adriana; along with many nieces, nephews, cousins and friends he was proud to call family.

In his early years, Bill was a boy scout, paperboy, and soda jerk.  After high school graduation, he started his career working at a Motorola factory followed by Western Electric as a Radio Mechanic before joining the U.S. Army in Illinois for the Korean War.  With the Army he attended Signal school (at Fort Gordon, Georgia and in Germany) giving him Radio and Electric Counter Equipment Repair and Aircraft Radio Repair knowledge.  Upon his release from the Army, Bill went back to Western Electric where he had the privilege of working on assignment for the USAF in Alaska on the DEW (Distant Early Warning) Line.  Once the contract concluded, Bill was back in Illinois at Western Electric and met the love of his life, Ellen.  After their wedding, Bill started at IBM working for clients such as NASA and continued in various positions, in various locations, until he retired as a Quality Engineer.   Enjoying a hobby like repairing electronics gave him some post-retirement work at Ithaca College in NY and at Lander University in SC until he decided to only tinker around the house.  Bill was also an EMT in McCormick and a member of the U.S. Coast Guard.

Bill enjoyed square-dancing, traveling, camping, reading, hunting, fishing, boating, repairing and fixing just about anything, home-building projects, and was licensed as an Amateur Ham Radio Operator.  Having lived a long and wonderful life, this amazing man with a dry, yet witty and quick, sense of humor will be greatly missed.

A memorial service will be held on Saturday, December 15, 2018 at 11 a.m. at McCormick United Methodist Church.

A memorial service will also be held on Friday, December 28, 2018 at 11 a.m. at Endwell United Methodist Church, 3301 Watson Blvd., Endwell, NY 13760. A luncheon will follow.Memorials may be made to: McCormick United Methodist Church, 200 Gold St., McCormick, SC 29835 or Endwell United Methodist Church, 3301 Watson Blvd., Endwell, NY 13760.

Beggs Funeral Home, 200 May Ave. Lincolnton, Ga. is honored to serve the family of William J. Zimmermann, Jr.

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