William E. Wynn Jr., 82, Nevada, MO passed away surrounded by family on September 21, 2017, at Cox Medical Center South in Springfield, Missouri. Son of William Edward and Edith Litty Wynn, he was born in St. Louis, Missouri, May 24, 1935.
He was preceded in death by his parents, his brother, David Wynn; and sister, Connie Wynn Woolf. He is survived by sister in law Kim Wynn of Salem, Missouri; his high school sweetheart and wife of 60 years, Betty Bailey Wynn of the home; three children, daughter Sherri Wynn Bell and husband, Bobby, of Lee’s Summit, Missouri; daughter Sheila Wynn of Springfield, Missouri; son William Wynn III and wife, Marty, of Nixa, Missouri; and five grandchildren, Aubree and Gracen Bell and Bailey, William and Tade Wynn.
Bill Wynn was a lifelong educator, serving the youth of Pleasant Hill and Nevada for 40 years as a coach, teacher, assistant principal, principal and assistant superintendent. His passion for education and athletics began in Salem, Missouri, where he was a renowned basketball and baseball player. He played college basketball at Moberly Junior College, St. Louis University and Missouri State University. After completing his undergraduate degree, Bill began his coaching, teaching and administrative career, in which he influenced thousands of young people over several generations. The William E. Wynn, Jr. Gymnasium at Nevada High School was dedicated in his honor.
Bill was a member of the First Baptist Church for over 50 years where he served as a deacon, sang in the church choir, and led children’s church for a number of years. His dedication to walking a life with Christ was evident in his service. He was also a member of the Rotary Club, MASSP and the Nevada Country Club.
Bill enjoyed playing golf and bridge. He loved quail hunting and spending quality time with his family, especially his grandkids.
Bill Wynn loved people and never met a stranger. He was genuinely committed to the young and old alike, had an extraordinary interest in sports and a phenomenal memory for the activities of many friends. He loved meeting people, telling good stories and helping organizations in the community of Nevada in which he was connected. Most of all, he loved his family. His wife, children and grandchildren will remember him as an influential and Godly man.
His family wishes to thank the doctors, nurses, medical staff as well as his friends who have shown him so much support over the past year.
Visitation will be held at Ferry’s Funeral Home on Monday, September 25, 2017, from 6:00-8:00 pm. A Celebration of Life will be held on Tuesday, September 26, 2017, at 10:30 am at First Baptist Church, Nevada, Missouri. Interment will follow in Newton Burial Park in Nevada.
In lieu of flowers, the family suggests donations to the William E. Wynn, Jr. Memorial Scholarship at Nevada High School or to the First Baptist Church in c/o Ferry Funeral Home.
