Bill was very proud to be a member of Warriors Watch Riders. Every family member I spoke to shared how much he spoke about Warriors when he got home from every mission.
On May the 12th, 2022, William T. McErlane changed a fleeting world for an immortal rest when he caught the last train to glory. Bill passed away, in the way that most of us hope to go, peacefully in his sleep surrounded by his loved ones.
Bill did his own thing and never tried to keep up with anyone, he rode his own ride and shared 3 important rules of life 1.) If you don’t go after what you want, you will never have it. 2.) If you do not ask, the answer will always be no. 3.) If you do not step forward, you will remain in the same place. Bill took great pride in his children and grandchildren however, prior to that chapter of his life, he spent most of his free time with his best friend Vince traveling to exotic places mastering his craft of fishing, hunting, trapping, and living off the land. So much so that even Daniel Boone himself would be jealous of Bill’s escapades. He enjoyed off-roading and relished in every opportunity to learn and perfect driving anything with a motor but developed a special love, as most of you know, for a certain motor on two wheels exclusively produced by Harley Davidson. The open road was Bill’s sanctuary. Bill’s love for his motorcycles was only rivaled by his love for his children and later his grandchildren. From that point forward everything he did was for his kids. He taught them everything he could from how to hunt, fish, fix a car, to how to care for the people they love, and most importantly, what it felt like to be loved unconditionally. His family never went without, even at his own expense.
He made sure that the people that mattered in his life knew how much he loved and cared for them, the love he had for his family and friends is and always will be unmatched.
Bill was like a chameleon, capable of blending into most crowds and starting conversations with just about anyone. Despite his massive stature, ponytail, and scary looking size 13 biker boots, he always had a way of making everyone in his presence feel comfortable and welcome. Bill’s contagious smile could shine light on even on the darkest of days and if that didn’t work, he was quick with a joke that was sure to put a smile on your face (even if it was slightly well mostly inappropriate). He was just like one of his favorite songs, a simple man. Bill took fashion cues from no one; he would be a millionaire if he had owned stock in black Harley Davidson Tee-shirts and Levi jeans. Bill had a life-long love affair with butter, salt, ice-cream, well basically all foods, you name it he ate it, that was where he got one of his nick names, the human garbage disposal! Thanks to his co-workers at Amtrak Bill gained the nickname "Beaner" and when asked why, he told his kids it was because he was tall like a bean stalk. The day Bill’s first grandchild was born, he stood in the hospital ever so gently cupping his tiny grandbaby in his giant mitts and as a single tear fell from his eye, he whispered, welcome my little bean sprout. On that day his title of world’s best Dad was forever changed to world’s best Papa.
As many of you already know, Bill loved the outdoors, especially riding his motorcycles. He partook in several charities honoring and assisting veterans to give back whatever he could to honor service members and their families, believing they gave the ultimate sacrifice for his country so he would do whatever capable to give back to them. This path led him to becoming a member of Warrior’s Watch. He was honored to be part of such an amazing brotherhood purely dedicated to welcoming home and honoring our countries Veterans. In Lieu of flowers the family asks that you donate to a charitable organization that benefits veterans.
Rally 10:30
Location: Burns Funeral Home, 1514 Woodbourne Road, Levittown, PA No Flag Line Please drape your back patch with black band
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_________________ Warrior in honor of my grandfather WWII vet
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