William ‘Bill’ Vanover, 81

William ‘Bill’ Vanover, age 81, of Columbiaville, Michigan passed away peacefully Friday, January 16, 2026 with his loved ones by his side. William Audy Vanover was born December 1, 1944 in Ashland, Kentucky. He is the son of the late Carl Emerson Vanover and the late Mary Maxine (Jenkins) Milner. Bill grew up in Kentucky.

He proudly served in the U.S. Army and went on to work in the Missouri lead mines for many years. He eventually made his way to Michigan, where he started his own business, Satellite World (satellite TV dish installation). It was during this time that he met his Life Partner, Joyce Ashley.

Bill loved spending his time hunting, fishing and going on road trips with Joyce. He also loved attending his annual family reunion in Ohio every September. Bill was an avid NASCAR fan; he wouldn’t miss a race. Bill also enjoyed and spent many years piloting a small aircraft, many of those years with Joyce by his side. He was a kind and funny man who will be missed dearly.

Bill is survived by: his Life Partner, Joyce Ashley; sisters, Naomi Buckley, Stella (Donald) Wright, and Sheria (Butch) Black; his daughter, Constance Moenart; grandchildren, Adam, Michael, and Caitlyn, and several nieces and nephews. He is also survived by many dear friends, including Joyce’s son, Lyle (Sue) Ashley, who helped Joyce care for Bill and who thought of Bill as his family.

Bill is preceded in death by: his parents, Carl and Mary; brother, John Vanover; and a brother-in-law, Roger ‘Hop’ Buckley.

A Celebration of Life will be planned and announced for the summertime.

Funeral arrangements have been entrusted to the Muir Brothers Funeral Home of Imlay City, 225 N. Main Street, Imlay City, MI.

Please sign our on-line register book at www.muirbrothersfh.com to share your memories and condolences with the Vanover and Ashley families.