FLAT ROCK, N.C. - William Marshall Gish, 92, of Flat Rock, N.C., formerly of Mendota, died after a brief illness on March 12, 2019.

Funeral services will be held at 11 a.m. on Friday, March 29 at First Presbyterian Church, Mendota with Rev. Susan Presley officiating. Visitation will be from 9 to 10:45 a.m. prior to the service at the church. Burial with military honors will follow at Restland Cemetery, Mendota. Arrangements were handled by the Merritt Funeral Home, Mendota.

Bill was born June 10, 1926 to William Lloyd and Rose Mary (Zaloudek) Gish. He married Mary Kathryn Worsley on Aug. 3, 1947 in Mendota. She preceded him in death on Jan. 21, 1980.

Survivors include his daughter, Linda “Deama” (David) Gaddy of Lake Toxaway, N.C.; two grandsons, Jason (Shannon) Boyle of Sapphire, N.C. and Brandon (Kaileigh) Boyle of Hendersonville, N.C.; three great-granddaughters, Paityn, Brylin and Raelyn; and one step-daughter, Judith Parks of LaSalle. 

He was preceded in death by his wife, Mary Kathryn; an infant daughter, Beth Ann Gish who died, May 7, 1956; and his second wife, Bonita Fawcett.

Bill proudly served his country during World War II as a bombardier in the U.S. Navy before being honorably discharged in June 1946. Following his tour of duty, he came home to run the family business, Gish Jewelry in Mendota, until his retirement in 1991. He was a 32nd Degree Mason and was a devoted husband, father, grandfather and great-grandfather. He will be forever remembered for his unwavering sense of humor and by his loving family and many friends.

Memorial contributions may be offered on behalf of Bill to St. Jude’s Children’s Hospital, 501 St. Jude Place, Memphis, TN 38105 or to the donor’s choice.