Bill Robert Allen Horsley

BILL ROBERT ALLEN HORSLEY was born June 1, 1946, in Detroit, Michigan. He was the first child and first son of Mary Lillian Tyler. He transitioned to eternity on August 3, 2020, in Plano, Texas.

Bill attended St. Theresa High School and graduated from Walsh College in Troy, Michigan. His area of study was accounting and finance. During his high school years, he formed a life-long bond of love and friendship with three friends: Richmond Hawkins, Ernest Cornelius, and James Benjamin. Known as the “Clique,” they created havoc for the nuns at St. Theresa’s. Bill, known as “Son Number One “ by his mom, treasured his two brothers, David and Greg. He felt that it was his responsibility to help them grow into strong honorable black men.

Bill was very proud that he was a Marine heroically serving his country from 1966 to 1969 during the Vietnam War. With his academic background in finance and accounting, Bill achieved professional success in various industries including insurance, manufacturing, sales, and branch banking management. His most exciting career was working at Motown Records on the publishing side of the business. Everyone there knew he could not carry a tune, but Bill felt that he could croon with the best of them.

In 1976, Bill married Veronica Wallace and together they had two children. His greatest accomplishment was “being a father to April and Robert.” They enjoyed fishing, boating, golfing, rubber band fights, and going to the gun range. Serious conversations were around space, science fiction, and history. Besides being a proud dad, being “Opa” to his grandkids (twins, Victoria and Joseph) was pure bliss. In 1992, Bill married his high school sweetheart, Leslie Marie Sabbath. Bill would say that his most challenging and rewarding career was “taking care of my wife, Leslie.” The two remained united and enjoyed a beautiful marriage of over 25 years until Bill's transition. They found enjoyment entertaining, collecting African American art, and going to art fairs and jazz concerts. When Bill got sick, comfort for them was reading a special prayer together as a couple.

Those left to celebrate and cherish fond memories include his wife, Leslie; beloved mother, Mary Lillian Tyler; children, Robert Allen and April LL Horsley (Olaf); grandchildren, Victoria and Joseph Stoffels; brothers, Greg (Sheba) and David (Victoria) Tyler; stepdaughter, Lauren Sabbath Hatcher.; and a host of other relatives and friends. 

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