William "Bill" Ray Polley

William "Bill" Ray Polley December 27, 1924 - August 25, 2023 William Ray Polley, known as Bill, peacefully passed away at the age of 98, surrounded by love, at his residence on Friday, August 25th. Born on December 27th, 1924, at the family home located on Brock Road near Brummett’s Creek in Monroe County, Bill was the son of Claude Samuel and Elsie Mae (Hacker) Polley. He attended Unionville School before leaving early to work in construction and as a truck driver, providing support for his family following his father Claude's passing. At the age of 19, Bill entered Military Service on December 12, 1944, serving as a Rifleman. He displayed remarkable courage during battles in Ardennes and Northern France. Bill celebrated his 20th birthday in the Argonne Forest's foxhole, enduring frozen feet and fervently hoping for survival. His gallant service earned him the Good Conduct Medal, the European African Middle Eastern Theater Ribbon, and two Bronze Battle Stars. He was honorably discharged with disability on August 15, 1945. Subsequently, Bill served as the Chaplain of the Disabled American Veterans Local Chapter. Post his military service, Bill engaged in construction work and joined Johnson’s Creamery. On November 27th, 1946, he united in marriage with the love of his life, Mary Ann. For 76 years, Bill and Mary Ann's unwavering love illuminated their lives. Bill's commitment to family, unshakable faith, strong work ethic, kindness, and humility shone through his role as a devoted father to his sons, Jerry and Larry. Bill retired from Johnson’s Creamery after dedicating 42 years of service. He was renowned as the favored delivery man for numerous Greek houses on campus, grocery stores and Groves Restaurant. Retirement allowed him to spend cherished moments with his grandchildren, a priority he valued deeply. Endowed with wisdom, Bill shared his insights generously with his children, grandchildren, nieces, and nephews, leaving an enduring impact. His generosity, humility, and passionate prayers were emblematic of his character. Bill's devout Christian faith and values were manifest throughout his life. He held long-standing memberships and served as an Elder at both South Union Christian Church and, more recently, Bethel Lane Community Holiness Church. Bill was preceded in death by his parents, Claude and Elsie, his beloved wife Mary Ann, his brothers Harry, Austin, Sam, Kenneth, Dennis, and Russell Polley, and his sister Martha Belle Young. Surviving Bill are his two sons, Jerry (Gloria) Polley and Larry (Margie) Polley, along with his devoted grandchildren, Jason (Janelle) Polley, Brechin (Bill) Newby, and Carson (Lindsay) Polley. He is also survived by his cherished great-grandchildren, Alyssa Polley, Jared Polley, Jenna Newby, Jacob Newby, Sawyer Polley, and Lakyn Polley. His sisters Phyllis Kleindorfer, Patsy Poling, and JoAnn Scroggins also survive him. A visitation in honor of Bill will be held on Thursday, August 31, 2023, from 10 AM to 12 PM at the Allen Funeral Home and Crematory, 4155 South Old State Road 37, in Bloomington. Following the visitation, a funeral service will take place, and Bill will be laid to rest at the South Union Christian Cemetery in Bloomington, IN. In remembrance of his life, memorial contributions can be made to the Disabled American Veterans or a preferred charitable organization. Online condolences, photos and memories may be shared with family and friends at www.allencares.com

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William "Bill" Ray Polley

December 27, 1924 - August 25, 2023