William "Bill" Bond lived a long, full life defined by family, hard work, golf, loyal dogs, and a good sense of humor.

Born to Rose Hopewell and Weldon Bond, and best known as Billy back then, he was one of seven children and grew up surrounded by the lively Bond family. He proudly served his country in the United States Air Force and was stationed in Korea before returning home to begin the next chapter of his life.

In 1956, Bill married the love of his life, Bernie. Together they built a family, welcoming two children, Kay and Kevin, later opening their arms to their son-in-law Steve and Daughter-in-law Sharon andsharing many decades of love, laughter, and adventure.

After graduating from the University of Wisconsin-Madison, Bill began what would become his lifelong career with Oscar Mayer. His work took him from Madison to Philadelphia and Sherman, Texas, but one thing never changed: his pride in the company. To this day, Oscar Mayer Wiener Whistles seem to turn up in every corner of the house, small reminders of a career he truly enjoyed.

If there was one thing Bill pursued with unwavering determination, it was the perfect golf swing. He spent a lifetime chasing it, collecting four hole-in-ones along the way. In retirement, he and Bernie built their home on a golf course in Hot Springs Village, where they enjoyed countless days together. Bill loved to say that although he had four hole-in-ones of his own, his favorite hole-in-one was Bernie's.

Bill was preceded in death by his beloved son, Kevin; his parents; and all of his siblings: Rosemary, Louise, Maureen, Kevin, Greg, and baby James. Knowing the Bond family, we have no doubt there's quite a reunion happening at the pearly gates. Anyone who ever witnessed a Bond family gathering knows it will be an epic celebration, hopefully with endless stories and laughter, a big bag of Maid Rites and a few brandy Manhattans.

One of Bill's greatest joys was watching his family grow. He was fortunate to celebrate his oldest grandson's 50th birthday and to watch each of his grandchildren, Jason (Chris), Shannon (Leo), Lena, Travis (Sara), Nathanael, and Rachel, graduate from college, build wonderful lives, and bless him with beautiful great-grandchildren, including Chelsea, Madison, Regan, Kennedy, Joshua, Halas, Liam, Elijah, Stevie and great-great grandchildren Aubrey and Alivia. He was immensely proud of every one of them, and leaving them was undoubtedly the hardest part of saying goodbye.

Bill also had a special place in his heart for his faithful canine companions. Holly brought him years of companionship and was his favorite walking partner, and in his later years, Bear became his constant sidekick and loyal friend.

Bill will be remembered for his quiet strength, his devotion to his faith, family, his work ethic, his persistence on the golf course, and his ability to find joy in life's simple pleasures. Though he will be deeply missed, his family finds comfort in a lifetime of wonderful memories and in knowing his legacy lives on through the people, and even the dogs, he loved so dearly.

As he always did, Bill left us with a smile. In the end, he made sure to remind us all to "hit 'em long and straight."

A memorial service will be held in Hot Springs Village, Arkansas, at a later date. In lieu of flowers, memorial donations may be made to Serenity Hospice, Oregon, Illinois.  Guest book at www.UngerHorner.com