Racine – William (Bill) Bean, 91, received the promise of eternal life on Tuesday, June 20, 2017. He was born in Mantachie, MS, on April 10, 1926, son of the late Wiley and Jennie Mae (Loden) Bean.

William was united in marriage to the love of his life, the former Josephine Wheeler, on March 19, 1945, in Fresno, California. Josephine preceded him in death on December 14, 2010.

William proudly and faithfully served his country in the United States Army during World War II.   He misled the recruiters about his age to enlist in the Army while still in high school. In 2003, William received his honorary high school diploma from Itawamba County High School in Mississippi. He was the CEO of AWI Incorporated until his retirement. William loved business and commerce. He enjoyed studying history and heritage. William loved a good story, and being from the south, was a good story-teller himself. He enjoyed hunting and absolutely loved traveling with his grandchildren.

William and his wife, Josephine, were charter members of the Spring Street Church of Christ. William served as an elder of the church and as a worship leader. He faithfully took mission trips to the Philippines and loved all his "extended church family" there.

William leaves to cherish his memory, his daughter, Judith (Charles) Bean-Johnson; son, Dr. Craig (Tami) Bean; grandchildren, Andrew Johnson, Rachel (Ryan) Johnson-Sheppard, Lauren (Lorenzo) Bean-Gonzalez, Kailey (Jonathan) Bean-Christiano, Kyle (Lacey) Bean, William Hunter Bean; great-grandchildren, Kailey, Logan, Parissa, Bella, Asa, Juliet, Bayne, Asher, Archer, Grayson; sister, Eula Mae (Leon) Anderson of Stone Mountain, GA; brother, DeWitt (Ida Ann) Bean of Iuka, MS; brother-in-law, Otto Buckner; sister-in-law, Ann Bean; many nieces, nephews, other relatives, and dear friends too numerous to mention.

In addition to his parents and wife, Josephine, William is preceded in death by his siblings, Wiley Loden Bean, Mary Lena Buckner, Susie Faye Plemons, Gale Wood Bean, Jeannie Mae Moore, John Holder Bean, Joe Marvin Bean; nieces, nephews, and other relatives.

A celebration of William's life will be held on Monday, June 26, 2017, 5:00pm, at Draeger-Langendorf Funeral Home, 4600 County Line Road, with Dr. Craig Bean officiating. Visitation will be from 3:30pm until the time of the service. Burial will take place on Saturday, July 15th, at Itawamba Memorial Gardens in Fulton, MS.

The family would like to extend a heart-felt "Thank You" to the staff at Heritage Homes for the wonderful care given to our dad during this difficult time. Also, a special "Thank You" to our church family at Spring Street Church of Christ for all of the prayers, love, and wonderful support you have provided to our family.

Service Details

Date:  Monday, June 26, 2017

Location:  Draeger-Langendorf Funeral Home and Crematory, 4600 County Line Road, Racine, WI 53403

Visitation Time:  3:30pm until 5:00pm

Funeral Time: 5:00pm

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