In loving memory of William Lacey who sadly passed away on 6th December 2024.
William, affectionally known as Billy to his family & friends, "Boots" to his Army friends. A loving and dedicated Husband to Myra, Father to Claire, Dean & Tessa and a Grandad to seven grandchildren.
Born in Gravesend, Kent in October 1951, growing up Billy led a fruitful and exciting life shared with his brothers and sisters. Bill eventually enlisted into the British Army as a regular soldier and joined as a Gunner in the Royal Regiment Of Artillery in 1971. In the same year he met his soul mate and wife of 52 years, Myra.
On the 12th August 1972 Bill and Myra became Husband and Wife.
Sharing an exciting married life, they enjoyed postings to various places around the UK, Germany and began to dedicate their time to start raising a family at the same time dealing with operational postings to Northern Ireland during the height of the troubles.
Bill excelled in his role within the Royal Artillery and notably was selected as Number 1 on the gun that started the London Marathon, and as an Instructor at the Junior Leaders Regiment RA, 27 Reg RA, 39 later becoming 39 Heavy Reg, 132 Battery Bengal Rocket Troop to name a few. Bill "BDR LACEY" established a name for himself quickly securing a role in the O.P Troop working in target acquisition and fire control which is still today regarded as a vital specialist role requiring soldiers to be at the pinnacle of professionalism.
As well as proving to be an exceptional soldier, Bill also represented his regiment and also the British Army at sports in numerous disciplines such as Football, Basketball, Athletics, Fishing and Golf.
Leaving the Army after 22 years of dedicated service, Bill found employment at varoius organisations such as Fenwicks Of New Bond Street and later as a Senior Manager at Gravesham Borough Council. Loved and respected throughout his life and career Bill always proved himself to be someone who would be "What can i do for you", with no thought for himself.
Bills time as a civil servant came to an end when he retired and looked forward to spending his time with his wife Myra, but sadly Bill was to learn of his diagnosis which later became a struggle he so bravely fought while all the time being dignified, loyal and loving to his family and friends. Bill was diagnosed with COPD, Emphysema & Bronchiectasis and became heavily reliant on oxygen, ever the optimist Bill continued to lead a normal life as much as possible with the unwaivering support of his dedicated loving wife Myra who gave up every minute of every day to ensure together they were able to live a happy life.
In later years Bill was to learn of another diagnosis at he same time as the very first Covid 19 lockdown, this time cancer. Bill fought through everyday, attended hospital and dealt with the overbearing pain and sickness that so often accompanies an illness like cancer but through his strong will and courage and the support from Myra and the wider family was able to beat cancer and continue fighting the COPD.
Within just a few short years Bills COPD rapidly became worse causing BIll to fight infection after infection, 2 heart attacks and stays in hospital until finally this year November 2024 being admitted to Medway Maritime Hospital eventually passing away on the 6th December 2024 .
Bill will forever be known as one of the most inspirational, loving, honest men this world has ever known and has impacted lives in a way we struggle to put into words. Bill will always be missed, his jokes, his whistling, his smile and his love and dedication to his family and friends.
We ask that you join us in celebrating the most wonderful man we have ever known.
Rest In Peace Bill (Dad)
We love and miss you every day.
Please note, you are all welcome to join us at the wake held at The Gardeners Arms, Higham.
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