William Charles McVeigh, Jr.

William Charles McVeigh Jr, age 82 of Vicksburg went to Heaven on June 11, 2024. Bill was born on June 4,1942 in Melrose Park, IL. He was the son of William Charles and Ruth McVeigh.

Bill is survived by his Sons; William Robert McVeigh (Jo Carolyn) of Arlington, TX, Dennis Bernard McVeigh of Vicksburg, MI, Geoff Ondrus (Sherrie) of Conroe, TX; his grandchildren: Courtney, Zach, Jamie, Ryan, Shelby, Nikki; his great-grandchildren: Caelyn, McKenna, Adalyn, Ronan, Mahrle, Eve, and close friend Brittany Baldwin (Travis). Siblings; Pat Baker, Michael McVeigh (Carol), Anne Webb (Dan), Thomas McVeigh, Joseph McVeigh (Robin), Robert McVeigh (John), Charles McVeigh (Barbara), Mary Nowlin (Berry), James McVeigh (Cindy), and numerous nieces and nephews.

He was preceded in death by; Parents William C. and Ruth McVeigh, Wife Jean Marie McVeigh; Sisters Jeannie Casterline, Kathy Coffman, and Margaret McVeigh (infant); Brothers John McVeigh and Steve McVeigh.

Bill’s love of nature began on the 100-acre family farm in near Jackson, Michigan before moving to Battle Creek where his love of sports was on full display as he lettered in football, basketball, baseball, and track for Battle Creek St. Philip.

As an adult Bill never stopped being a big-kid actively playing sandlot football games with all the kids in the neighborhood, but it was his passion for basketball that had him playing many memorable games of one-on-one well into his mid-fifties. He was the master of the trick shot, and routinely made shots behind his back during the game with a quick fake-up followed by a flip behind his back that always left opponents in awe.

Bill served in the National Guard and early in his career demonstrated his natural sales ability in real estate. Ultimately, he found his niche in the sewing industry owning two different sewing machine stores before switching to monogram and embroidery in Portage, MI, and then opening a knitting mill and moving to Parkville, MI. In 1980, Bill and Jean moved to Houston, TX and ultimately settled in Montgomery, TX establishing Afterglo Awnings. A business he had for over 20 years before retiring. Always a passion for sewing, at one-time he owned over 400 Singer Featherweight sewing machines that he would repair and sell on E-Bay.

His inventive streak had him relentlessly tinkering with several inventions ranging from sewing hoops to golf clubs, and in later years a quest to unravel the mystery of how to most efficiently generate and store electricity. It should be noted that most of his inventions included a roll of Duct Tape.

After suffering a stroke in 2010, Bill returned to Michigan to live with his son, Denny, in Vicksburg where he enjoyed taking in the abundant wildlife in the backyard pond, and the local nature trail.

Bill’s creative mind, sense of humor, and affinity for telling stories often found him holding court with audiences of all ages. He leaves an everlasting impact on all who had the privilege to be in his company.

The family would like to express heartfelt thanks to Milestone Senior Services and the team at Fresh Perspectives for their wonderful support and care. Thanks also for the support from the community of Vicksburg, his church family at Vicksburg United Methodist Church, and the Police and Fire Department that stopped by often to help him when he fell. Additionally, a warm, special thanks to Denny for all of his care to make sure Dad had the best quality of life possible.

Cremation has taken place. Visitation with the family will be at 10:00 am with a memorial service to be held at 11:00 am on Thursday June 27th at Vicksburg United Methodist Church, 217 S Main St, Vicksburg, MI 49097 with a luncheon to follow. Those who wish may make donations to the Vicksburg United Methodist Church and/or St. Phillip Catholic High School in Battle Creek.

While at www.amsfuneralhomes.com where you can sign his guestbook and/or share your favorite memory with his family.

The McVeigh family is being cared for by the Avink, McCowen & Secord Funeral Homes and Cremation Society, 409 South Main Street, Vicksburg, MI 49097, (269) 649-1697.