William Adair Church Jr.
William Adair Church Jr. passed away peacefully, in the Washington Hospital, Thursday, October 7, 2021, surrounded by his family. He was born October 25, 1952, a son of the late William Adair Church Sr. and the late Mary Rhoades Church.
He was a 1970 graduate of Washington High School and earned his degree as a certified welder. He began his career as a welder at Jessop Steel in October of 1973 and retired from there in June of 2005. He specialized in armor plating and was excellent at his trade.
After retirement he worked at the Washington Area Humane Society, Franks Auto Supermarket and Rite Aid.
Bill won numerous championships in bowling and in his youth won tournaments with his mother in couples bowling. He was an avid coin collector and fountain of fun facts. He enjoyed playing poker and always made it to the final table. He had little time for hobbies because he devoted his life to his family and being a provider and dedicated father.
In 1974, he and former wife and best friend, Pamela Slopek Church had their daughter, Adaira Church Rufer. Bill was an unbelievable father who spent his time as a dance school Dad, basketball coach and chaperone for Trinity High School Marching Band home games. He never missed a recital, basketball game or band performance.
Bill enjoyed volunteering for the Fairview Cemetery, BACDC and the Burgettstown Volunteer Fire Department. He was always eager to lend a hand with manual labor or working events.
He was the brother of Jeffrey Church and the late Robert Church. He was the uncle of Jason (Jackie) Church, Spencer Church, Amy (Micky) LaRocka, Allisyn (Jeff) Wolfe, Adam (Susie) Slopek and Noah Sinkko.
Surviving are his daughter, Adaira, son-in-law George, former wife and best friend Pam Church, and friend Harry Harding.
He will be sorely missed by his family. He enjoyed the friends he made at the Dog House and Tanya’s Tavern, where he would go for conversation and laughs. He left behind two cats, Lindsey and Ruby, who he adored. He loved animals and all of the family pets will feel the void of his passing. He spoiled every animal he came in contact with.
Family and friends will be received from 2 to 4 and 6 to 8 p.m. Sunday, October 10, in the Lee & Martin Funeral Home, 73 Highland Avenue, Burgettstown, PA 15021, where services will be held at 11 a.m. Monday, October 11, with the Rev. Kenn Jacobs officiating. He will be laid to rest in the Fairview Cemetery, Burgettstown.
Because of Bill’s love of animals and tireless dedication to Fairview Cemetery, memorial donations would be appreciated in his name to Angel Ridge Animal Rescue, P.O. Box 94, Meadowlands, PA 15347, or the Fairview Cemetery Association, P.O. Box 284, Burgettstown, PA 15021.
www.leeandmartinfuneral.com