William Bernoir was born September 22, 1941, in Toledo Ohio, to Parents Grace and William. He graduated from Waite High School, where he had been active in theater. He had aspirations to go to Hollywood. All of that would change on a warm spring day in 1961, as he was walking with a friend. They ran into his friend’s sister and her friend Sally in the middle of the street. It was love at first sight.
Bill and Sally were married May 5, 1962. They welcomed four children over the next five years. Additionally Bill and Sally would foster children striving to give them a chance at a better life. Bill cherished being a father, and no matter how exhausted he was at the end of the day, he always read a bedtime story to his children. Weekends were for family time. He would enjoy a date night with his beloved wife one night, and the next was spent with his whole family.
Bill was an artist, and creating art and teaching art would be a constant part of his life. He did displays for department stores, as well as designed floral arrangements for floral shops. As he got older he would teach art to children as well as adults. Once his children were grown and out on their own, he had his chance to pursue his dreams of Hollywood. When that experience did not work out he left feeling defeated. Sally had other plans. She put everything in place to pursue his dream at Disney. They relocated to Florida and Bill worked for many years before an injury would require him to go on disability. He retrained himself to do art with the least damaged hand, and he would have many successes, including the costume for the movie Matinee and the costumes for two Superbowl halftime shows.
His real calling presented itself when he was asked to fill in for the pastor one Sunday. He found a newfound passion. He led the Congregation for The Mascotte church for many years. His genuine love for God and people would touch many lives along the way. At one point his love for art, the church and people were merged when he decided to make stained glass windows for the 100 year old church. An artistic expression of his love for God
Bill faced and overcame many challenges in his lifetime. Perhaps none greater than the loss of his beloved wife. Now he is reunited with her in heaven. He leaves behind his son Billy (Lashell) Bernoir, Angie Bernoir, son Kevin (Lori) Bernoir, Sister Linda (John) Carter, Trudy (John) Wroblewski, and Sheila Pollick, as well as many grandchildren, great grandchildren, nieces, nephews and friends.