Billie Stanfield

With endless memories, the hearts of those who knew and loved Billie Stanfield are left to cherish times spent with the man they lovingly referred to as dad, companion, brother, and friend. With quiet strength, Billie possessed a heart of gold. A hard working man, Billie vowed from a young age to take care of those who were not only entrusted to his care, but to reach out and help those less fortunate. Fondly remembered, he will be deeply missed.

Born on July 11, 1940 in Dexter, Missouri, Billie was one of eleven children in his large family. They later relocated to Grand Rapids, Michigan until his father began working on the railroad out of Fort Wayne, Indiana. When he lost his job with the railroad, Billie and his family returned to Grand Rapids where his father worked as an auto mechanic.

Life for Billie, his siblings and mother was wrought with pain and sadness as they endured times of great hardship. Never having the opportunity to learn the value of a good role model, Billie was all the more eager to be a better man than that of his father. Following his father’s death, Billie’s mother, whom he esteemed as most loving, set out to raise 8 of the 11 children alone. Raised in poverty, as a mere youth Billie was deemed protector and provider of his family. More often than not, the food and money he brought home was more than well received.

Billie learned the value of hard work at the age of 14 when he worked picking scallions in the hours before his school day even began. After picking and bundling all those onions, he came to detest this vegetable from his youth. With the needs of his family in mind, Billie overheard two boys saying how they earned four dollars a day setting bowling pins, and Billie didn’t even earn that a week picking onions. He jumped at the chance, and headed for Wingers Bowling Alley to set pins until the early morning hours. Although only 14, the owner hired him on the spot as he was tall for his age. Billie and his co-workers bowled a few games, betting ten cents for every game played. After losing several times, Billie decided he most definitely did not like losing money, and set out to become better.

With little to nothing, the holidays were celebrated with a small Christmas tree and dinner. The younger children received presents from the Santa Clause Girls, and The Salvation Army provided a gift basket for the family. Although Billie went to Harrison Park Elementary School, he left his schooling behind while attending Union High School to support his family. A large responsibility for such a young man, Billie did so lovingly for his dear mother and siblings.

Billie went to work fulltime for Phoenix Tool and Machine Shop. After a few years, he moved on to McKinney’s Manufacturing where he sanded and coated bowling pins. After driving all over Michigan delivering the pins and often up numerous stairs, Billie jumped at the chance to begin drilling bowling balls. He loved his work at McKinney’s, and in his later 30’s he purchased the shop from Mr. McKinney, keeping the name to honor the man who gave him so many valuable opportunities.

In time, Billie was married and became the proud father of three wonderful daughters, Marcy, Lisa and Michelle. Although his marriage ended in divorce after 13 years, Billie was grateful for his precious girls.

Billie never wanted his daughters to go without. He made sure they had the best Christmases and birthdays with lots of presents and stuffed animals. They went on numerous vacations, too. Billie was 27 by the time he enjoyed his first vacation when he took his family for a fun filled time in Traverse City. He loved taking road trips. He’d often pile the girls into the car and off they’d go to destinations such as Mackinaw City, the upper peninsula of Michigan, Florida and the Smokey Mountains. His first priority was always choosing a hotel complete with a pool for his girls to enjoy. He bought them new, fancy coats each year, but most importantly, Billie loved spending as much time with them as he could.

One Christmas Eve when Billie was hanging out with friends, everyone left to be with their families. As Billie stood in the parking lot, tears streamed down his face as he realized he had no one to go home to. But with his giving and tender heart for others, on his way home that Christmas Eve night, Billie noticed a young mother walking with her small children. He knew her from the store where she worked, and swiftly turned around and asked her if she’d like a ride. Noticeably upset, the woman was sad because she didn’t have anything to give her little ones. After dropping them off, Billie went to the only store open and purchased this special family the gifts they each deserved, placing them on their doorstep.

Billie's kind heart for children was evident. He was generous with the neighborhood kids, and through his generosity, he taught them a valuable lesson. As long as they kept themselves clean, he rewarded them each day with a fudge bar. How proud his daughter was when she heard the boys exclaim how much they liked Mr. Stanfield; he was the nicest man they knew! Billie had a huge heart even though not everyone had the opportunity to witness it. His humanity and selfless nature was also obvious when witnessed by the folks at Special Olympics. His sister was surprised to learn from one of the workers at the Special Olympics Chapter 11 that Billie had drilled their bowling balls for years. They described him as a generous, understanding and patient man with all of the kids.

Billie came to love the game of bowling and was extremely good at it. In fact, he went on to become a champion bowler. He and his partner, Jerry Nutt, won the USBC Open National Double Championship in Reno, Nevada along with the coveted Eagle Trophy in 1972 which afforded him induction into the Greater Grand Rapids Bowling Hall of Fame in 1998. When he wasn’t bowling, Billie enjoyed golfing and spending time with his steady companion for many years, Stephanie Stien. Billie made his home on the city’s northwest side and was a friend to many in his community. He continued to operate McKinney’s Bowling Supply, retiring a few years ago and sold the building this past July.

While Billie wasn’t a practicing spiritual person throughout his life, there is comfort in knowing that he graciously accepted Jesus into his heart on July 25, 2014 in the presence of his sisters; Barb, Nancy, Kim and Sandy. He also received communion for the first time from Pastor Dick Riley with his daughter, Marcy and son-in-law Jim one week preceding his death.

Hard working and a good businessman, Billie Stanfield added much to the lives around him. He learned by example what he didn’t want in life, and strived to make better tomorrows for those he loved. Gone but never to be forgotten, Billie will be sadly and dearly missed.

Billie Lee Stanfield, age 74, passed away Monday, August 25, 2014 at his home. He was preceded in death by his father, Virgil Stanfield and loving, honorable mother, Imogean Stanfield. He leaves behind to mourn his passing his longtime companion, Stephanie Stein; his children, Marcy (Jim) Lindhout, Lisa Orlikowski, Michelle (Todd) Newman; his grandchildren, Ashley (Jason) Roh, Payton Orlikowski, Jacob, Sara and Tessa Newman and his great-grandson, Landen Roh. Also surviving are his siblings, Barbara Reed, Nancy (Fred) Cramer, Roy (Lewann) Stanfield, Linda (Dale) Marquez, Kathy (Pat) Shea, David (Ann) Stanfield, Deborah (Ron) Joseph, Kim (Ben) McKnight, Randy (Lovera) Stanfield, Sandra (Ralph) Edwards and many nieces and nephews. Funeral services will be held Friday, August 29, 2014, 11:00AM at the Heritage Life Story Funeral Home-2120 Lake Michigan Dr. NW with visitation on Thursday from 5-8PM and for one hour prior to the service on Friday. Memorial contributions to Spectrum Health Hospice, 4500 Breton SE, 49508 are appreciated. To share a favorite memory, photo and to sign his online guestbook, please visit www.lifestorynet.com.