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Obituary
William “Bull” Richard Durham, Sr., 60, of Garden City, Michigan, passed away on October 18, 2022. Bill was born in Detroit on September 12, 1962 to his parents Mary Eileen (Bowen) Durham and James C. Durham. Bill was the baby, or as his mom called him: The King of the family of six children.
Bill grew up in Lincoln Park on Markese Street. He had to grow up quick when he became a dad at only 17. Even though he was a young father, he took his role seriously and was involved with his sons William Richard Durham, Jr. and Brian Keith Durham. Sadly, Bill lost his son Brian in 2018. Losing Brian was one of the hardest things for Bill, he loved his son and missed him dearly. As a father, Bill shared his love for our beleaguered Detroit Lions with his sons and family. Among other things, Bill taught his boys the love of motorcycles, how to ride a Harley, drive a boat, fish, and hunt. Bill Jr. blessed Bill with three grandsons Zachary, Collin and Gavin. Bill’s pride and joy were these boys. He loved watching them grow up.
As a true family man, Bill would not miss a family gathering, he would always show up and would often take his nieces and nephews and little cousins for a ride on one of his Harleys. Everyone loved “Uncle Billy”.
Bill was a proud Teamster for more than 33 years. He worked for 30 years at Yellow Roadway and then Ryan Transportation for the last three years. His union sisters and brothers enjoyed his homemade flavored moonshine, which Bill was famous for creating. When not at work you could find Bill playing cards, playing his guitar or drums in a jam session, listening to Rock & Roll or his favorite thing, or going on a Harley ride with his buddies. Bill worked hard and partied harder. Bill never met a stranger and always had a story or a good joke. He made sure to keep a smile on your face.
Bill is survived by his son Bill Jr. (Shannon); grandsons Zachary, Collin, and Gavin Durham; brother Robert Durham; nieces and nephews Mary Eileen Hayes (Kreacto), Sandy Masterogiacomo (Jim), Bobby, James, Chrissy Harris (Bernard), Ashley Shultz (Antonio Sr.) Jimmy (Chrissy), Joseph (Susie), Patricia Patrick (Rick), Stephanie, Tiffany; numerous great nieces and nephews; many cousins that were like his brothers; and many close friends including Randy (aka Wolfey).
Bill is preceded in death by his son Brian Durham; his parents James and Mary; brothers James C. Durham (killed serving in the Vietnam War), David “See Dave and Save” Durham; sisters Barbara Jarrell and Marleen Raboin.
