William “Bill” McCandless Jr., 77, passed away on Tuesday, March 24, 2026, and went home to be with the Lord. He was born on March 15, 1949, to Etha Mae and William McCandless Sr. at Galion Community Hospital.
Bill had no biological brothers or sisters but grew up with Larry Wilcox, who was like a brother to him. His dad would call them “Pete and Repeat” because they always did the same things together. Larry’s sister, Virginia “Ginger,” was like a sister to Bill as well.
Bill spent the majority of his working years at TRW Inc. in Euclid, which later became Argo-Tech and is now Eaton. He dedicated 37 years to the company, retiring in 2010.
He had two sons with his first wife, Darlene, who preceded him in death: Russ (Crystal) of Florida and Ted (Emily) of Harstgrove. Both are married and have families of their own. After Darlene passed, Bill married Linda and remained close to her four children. Deanna became like a daughter to him, and Lee like a son.
Later, Bill married the love of his life, Sandy, and grew close to her 4 children, especially Tracy, who he loved like his own daughter.
At one point, Bill was surrounded by 27 grandchildren and 14 great-grandchildren-quite a family! He especially loved the little ones, “because we hadn’t taught them to lie yet.”
Bill is preceded in death by his first wife, Darlene, and his second wife, Linda; each marriage lasted 20 years.
Friends may call on Friday, March 27, 2026, from 11:00 a.m. to 1:30 p.m. at Gompf Funeral Service – Galion Chapel, 303 Portland Way N., Galion. A service will immediately follow at 1:30 p.m., with burial to follow at Fairview Cemetery.
Those wishing to share a memory of William or send condolences to the McCandless family may do so by visiting www.masfh.com.
The Gompf Funeral Service – Galion Chapel, 303 Portland Way N., Galion, is honored to serve the family of William “Bill” McCandless Jr.
Funeral Home: Gompf Funeral Service – Galion Chapel
Website: www.masfh.com