A LIFE WELL LIVED
 
WILLIAM "BILL" GEORGE CARROTHERS had a great life as an American, husband, father and grandfather as well as a retired Anchor Bay Schools teacher, counselor, coach and principal and was a member of VFW Post 7573.  He passed on to his reward on Saturday, February 6, 2021.  Born in Windsor, Ontario, Canada on August 8, 1930, to Lanson Theodore and Lula Isabelle (Hale) Carrothers, Bill and his family moved to Hazel Park, MI in 1933.   A graduate of Hazel Park High School in 1948 and after working at various jobs, he became an American citizen and joined the United States Air Force in May of 1953.   Serving tours in Korea during the Korean War and elsewhere, he eventually was stationed at Selfridge Air Force Base where he was awarded Airman of the Month two times.  He met his future wife, Bette Jane (Dunlap), in 1956.  She was a life guard at the New Baltimore City Park, where he often came to swim.   After graduating from Central Michigan University in 1960, Bill was hired by Anchor Bay Schools as an elementary physical education teacher at Anchor Bay Elementary School (now Ashley Elementary School).  As the years went by, he became an Anchor Bay Junior High math teacher, an Anchor Bay High School counselor, an assistant principal and then, later serving as the Naldrett Elementary School Principal, retiring in 1985.  His career also included the role of the high school golf coach.   Bill and Bette were married on April 13, 1957, at First Congregational Church and have resided in Anchorville since 1969, after nearly ten years living in Algonac.   Bill is survived by his wife Bette Jane, daughter Alison Lee (Brian) Shilling, Raeford, North Carolina, son Jay William (Jeanie), Marine City and daughter Lesley Jane Pastoria and friend John Slota of St. Clair.  Grandchildren include Alissa Frances Baker, (fiance Matthew McDonnell), Amy Michelle Baker, (fiance Alex Newby), Trevor David West, Alexa Jane Pastoria, (fiance Landon Benner), Valentino William, Luciano Antonio and Leonardo Joseph Pastoria, sister Margaret (Clem) Smith, Port Huron and brothers-in-law Duane (Laura) Dunlap, Fred Dunlap, and sisters-in-law, Barbara Cleland Dunlap and Nancy Dunlap Malcolm.  Numerous nephews and nieces survive him, including retired ABHS ROTC Col. Jeffrey Carrothers.  Bill was predeceased by brothers Lanson (Dorothy) Carrothers, James Carrothers, and sisters Marilyn Carrothers, Barbara (Larry) Danforth, Marjorie (Bill) Whipple.  The life of "Mr. C." will be honored this coming summer near the American Flag at City Park with all who were blessed with his presence during his life, invited.   A life well lived is a gift and must be celebrated.