William D. "Bill" Pontius, 83, of Rockford, Ohio, died on Monday, December 21, 2015, at McLaren Macomb Hospital in Mt. Clemens, Michigan.

He was born in Jackson, Michigan, on October 3, 1932, the son of William Wilbur and Dorothy (Scott) Pontius. On September 5, 1954, he married Margaret E. "Marge" Stripe. She preceded him in death on July 17, 2004.

Bill was co-owner and operator of Pontius Hardware in Rockford, with his brother James Pontius. After Jim retired, he and Marge, and their sons, continued the family business, which was in Rockford for over 4 generations, and over 100 years of service to the people in the area.

Bill was a member of the Former Rockford United Presbyterian Church; a member of  Shanes Aerie, Post #1292, Fraternal Order of Eagles in Rockford; a 32nd. Degree Mason in Dayton, Ohio, and a Mason in Rockford; a member of the Moose Lodge in Celina, Post # 1473; a member of  Van Wert Elks Lodge, Post # 1197; a friend of the Eichar De Curtains Celina V. F. W., Post # 5713; a Friend of the Glen D. Eckhart Rockford American Legion, Post # 508; and a member of the Rockford Volunteer Fire Department most of his life.

Surviving are 3 sons: William Michael (Cindy) Pontius of Fair Haven, Michigan; Dick A. (Claudia) Pontius of Rockford, Ohio; Jack L. (Debra) Pontius, of Rockford, Ohio; and 1 daughter: Laura Chandler of Pensacola, Florida. Also surviving are 4 grandchildren: Danielle Pontius, Bradley William Pontius, Michelle Pontius, and Kimberley Pontius; 3 step grandchildren: Trisha Manolotos, Kristi Glick, and Jake Karl; 2 great grandchildren: William Tyler Pontius and Michael Montano, and 1 step great grandchild, Elliott Manolatos.

Deceased in addition to his wife Marge, is one daughter, Jill Pontius, one grandchild, Kathryn Lynn Pontius, and his brother and his wife James (Jean) Pontius.

Bill's body will be cremated, and a service will be held at a later date at the convenience of the family.

Condolences may be expressed at ketchamripley.com.