William "Bill" Robert Meyers

William “Bill” Robert Meyers, 86, of Hilton Head Island, SC passed away Tuesday, May 14, 2024 at Kempton of Charleston Assisted Living in Charleston, SC.

Bill Meyers was a good man.

Friendly to all he came across, he was a true New Yorker, rough around the edges but with a playful spirit and a heart of gold.

Always gentle and laid back, he never sweat the small stuff, having an optimistic and supportive nature that made you always feel that everything would work out.

Bill was also a logical thinker, with a keen ability to solve problems, whether as a New York City fireman, a Grumman electrician or a home handyman. Practical by nature, he also had a very keen intellect.

Bill was a skilled player of games, whether cards, crosswords, trivia or scrabble with his beloved grandchildren. He loved music, especially Sinatra, Bennett etc and was a crooner himself, entertaining at family gatherings. He was also a great dancer.

Bill, along with his two brothers Jim and Foster lost their father at a young age.  They were raised in Brooklyn by their mother Emma who was supported by their extended family and the neighborhood community. Bill cherished and maintained his childhood friendships, enjoying regular reunions and family gatherings and was the last surviving member of his old crew.

Bill joined the Navy at 17 and was proud to talk about all the places he visited around the world. Marrying Gwen a few years later, they raised their twins Lori and Michael in Westbury Long Island. Bill was known as the ‘cool dad’. He later married Trudy who he adored.  She also has a daughter and son – Beth and Scott – that he embraced like his own.

Bill’s excellent work ethic was passed down to his family. He was a devoted grandfather and rarely concealed his emotions, including his tearful joy when told by his grandson Aaron last December that he was engaged to Annabel.

Bill also had a cheeky side and loved saying to his grandchildren ‘don’t do anything I wouldn’t do Ralph’. His kindness was manifest in everything that he did, always refraining from gossip. When he did poke fun, it was gentle, light-hearted and as a form of affection, laughing at himself more than others.

Bill loved life. Bill loved his family and friends. That love spilled out to all who knew him.

He will be greatly missed by his wife Trudy, his children, step-children, and their spouses Mike (Michelle), Lori (Dan), Beth (Cary) and Scott (Bonnie) as well as the grandkids Heather, Aaron, William, Jefferey, Ethan, Jack, Samantha, Benjamin and great-grandkids Ava, Gemma and Brandon.

May his memory and legacy of love and kindness, always serve as a blessing.

Bill was a good man.

In lieu of flowers, memorial donations may be made to www.foldsofhonor.org .