William M. Carney Ii

William M. Carney, II age 44 of Sparta, passed away Wednesday, March 30, 2016 in Livonia. Bill was born August 21, 1971 in Louisville, KY the son of William and Susie (Jeanes) Carney, Sr. Bill was an amazing man, one that could meet a stranger and within minutes they would feel they’d been friends for years. As a child he was precocious and a tad naughty, apparently having a penchant for “goosing” the ladies at church at the tender age of five. With his angelic smile and dancing blue eyes (and matching little blue bow-tie), he was instantly forgiven. That wonderful smile and innate charisma only increased during the years. Throughout grade school he garnered multiple honors in academics and sports as well as in vocal endeavors, successfully competing in All-State choir competitions. In college, he pursued a pre-med degree until he was introduced to the Professional Golf Management Program at Ferris State University in Big Rapids, Michigan. During the course of his studies, he met his future wife Beth. One of the highlights of their time together on campus were chip-around (and sometimes through)-the-house contests the PGMers held frequently as well as many highly-competitive couples’ mini-golf tournaments. Beth learned quickly that holding a can of pop in one hand and putting with the other was NOT acceptable form. After college, Bill and Beth were married and, over the next several years lived in Syracuse, NY, Nashville, TN and Louisville, KY before moving back to Michigan, where they resided the past twelve years. Shortly after their new home in Sparta was completed, Bill and Beth found they were having twins. The boys arrived three months early, each weighing around two pounds. Little Bill and Ross Paul, after several medical issues, are growing into wonderful young men and were and are a source of great pride to Bill and Beth. Bill transitioned from the golf world to working in sales. He joined Coca-Cola, Inc. as an Account Manager and excelled with his accounts and sales over several years. He transitioned to medical equipment sales with Laboratory Supply Company and proved his excellence in that field as well. Bill made the move from a working for a distributor to a manufacturer, joining BD International. He continually outdid himself in sales performance, but, more importantly, built not only strong work relationships but true friendships everywhere he went. Recently, he joined Sysmex America, Inc. as a Manager of Distributor Sales, a position he loved and that challenged him, working with people of who he thought highly. While we know God has his reasons, we are all heartbroken at the sudden loss of a wonderful husband, father, brother, uncle, nephew, son-in-law, brother-in-law and friend of so many. Surviving are his wife Bethany, whom he married on September 30, 2000; sons, William III and Ross Paul; sister, Heather (Robert) Parisi; parents-in-law, Ron (Millie) Sandelius; brother-in-law, Ross (Julie Bagley) Sandelius; uncle and aunt, Lee (Eleanor) Stearman; cousins. He was preceded in death by his parents and grandpa, W.D. Carney. The family will greet friends Saturday, April 2 from 2-4 and 6-8 pm at the Bliss-Witters & Pike Funeral Home, Cedar Springs. The funeral service and burial will take place in Louisville, KY. Memorial contributions may be made to a fund for his sons.