William G. "Bill" Dennis, age 80 of Big Rapids, passed away Monday, April 23, 2012 at Spectrum Health - Kelsey Memorial Hospital in Lakeview. He was born August 26, 1931 in Newaygo County, the son of William and Eva (Modrow) Dennis. Bill enlisted in the United States Marine Corps at age 17 and served during the Korean War until he was honorably discharged. He had many talents that gave him the ability to have several different careers throughout his life. Bill's first job out of service was working on the steam engine in Muskegon. He then moved to California where he drove for the Motorama Show; a traveling display of futuristic products. Bill especially loved this job because the products were celebrity endorsed and he spent lots of time rubbing elbows with those celebrities. In 1960, he married Rosetta Nehmer in Big Rapids and later worked as a certified welder on the Alaskan Pipeline. Bill returned to Big Rapids and attended Ferris State College where he earned his Associates Degree in Business. He finished his working career in Colorado where he was employed by Sears. Bill and his family moved back to Big Rapids where he retired. Bill was a proud veteran and he was involved in several veteran organizations. He was the Commander in Arms for American Legion Post # 98 Firing Squad, a member of the Disabled American Veterans, the Veterans of Foreign War, the American Legion Post #98, AmVets Post #1941 and the Purple Heart Association. He also enjoyed playing Santa at the American Legion Annual Christmas Party for many years. He was a great story teller and a jokester who liked giving everyone a nickname. Bill was extremely kind and giving. He enjoyed hunting and fishing and spending time with his family and friends. Bill loved his family and will be truly missed. He is survived by his wife, Rosetta Dennis of Big Rapids; daughters, Rita (Rick) Holdridge of Stanwood and Yvonne (David) Erickson of Big Rapids; grandchildren, Robert and Richard Dennis, Angie Getts, Ashley and Ricky Holdridge, Nicole Quinn and Shana Thatcher; 5 great-grandchildren; a sister, Joyce Kirchoff of Frankfort; many nieces and nephews. He was preceded in death by his parents; a brother, Keith Dennis; a son Robert Dennis and a grandson, Shawn Erickson. A graveside memorial service will take place 10:00 a.m. Saturday, May 5th at Pine Plains Cemetery in Big Rapids with military honors under Bill's beloved American Legion Post #98 Firing Squad and the United States Marine Corps. Memorial contributions may be made to the American Heart Association or Meals on Wheels of Newaygo County.