This is a printer-friendly version of an article from Zip06.com.

William “Bill” General, Jr., died peacefully on April 23, after a long illness, surrounded by his wife of 64 years, Nancy; other family members; and his caregiver. Bill was born May 21, 1935, in New Haven to the late William General, Sr., and Althea (Kirby) General and raised in Branford.

Bill played three sports and graduated from Branford High School in 1953 and became an avid golfer, baseball player, and a Giants fan. When his mother died, he was only 17 and helped his dad to care for the family. He served in the Army from 1958 to 1961 in Texas and Germany, where he and Nancy both learned to speak German. After his discharge, he was employed by Peucker Precision Products, Inc., where he worked as a machinist for more than 25 years. Bill also was a supernumerary with the Branford Police Department for several years and had various cleaning jobs to support his family. Hard work and dedication were a strong aspect of his character. His children always remember the yearly summer vacations they would enjoy. Later, Bill started his own business, Ace Cleaning Genie, and moved to Scottsdale, Arizona, where he and Nancy lived for 30 years. In 1999 he had a severe stroke while in Arizona and moved back to Connecticut in 2014 to be near family.

Bill was one of Jehovah’s Witnesses and a member of the East Shore congregation. His love for people and work ethic was always evident at conventions in Connecticut where he volunteered whenever he could. Though he was unable to do much in the ministry after his return from Arizona, he was always present at conventions and inspired all who stopped to talk to him.

He is survived by his wife, Nancy (Williams) General; his daughters, Michele Potter and Sheila Wright; his son, Brett General; and his sister, Beatrice Brown. He was predeceased by his son William General III and his brother Leroy General. He also leaves his grandchildren, Nicole Potter, William General IV, Allison General, Sheryl-Leigh General, Olivia McCourt, Damien Steele, Malachi General, Nyleisha Barnes, De’Andre Barnes, Tre’von Barnes, and San’ayah Wright and nine great-grandchildren. Bill will be missed by all of his extended family as well as many lifelong friends.

A zoom memorial service will be held at 3 p.m. on Saturday, June 4,. Please contact the family for details or leave a voicemail at 203-433-2317.