Bill Early Jr. (57) of Cannelton, IN passed away on Friday, April 24, 2020. He was born June 16, 1962 in Owensboro, KY of Ozzie Newcom-Early (deceased) and Bill Early Sr. (deceased). He graduated from Daviess County High School in 1980 and enrolled right after in the United States Air Force before being honorably discharged in 1994, achieving the rank of Staff Sergeant. Bill was an avid hobbyist and model builder, completing numerous film-quality model kits, spaceships and dioramas. He entered many of his builds into contests, winning gold and silver medals for his skills. He was an accomplished electrician by trade and loved to apply his knowledge to his passion of model building. Bill was a lover of all things science fiction, an avid reader, and participated in charity endeavors with groups like the 501st Legion and Rebel Legion, both prestigious Star Wars costuming organizations that worked with groups like the Juvenile Diabetes Research Fund and Make a Wish. He is survived by his loving wife Barbara Early, son William Early III and his wife Julie, step-son Lee Snyder, daughter Denise Lyubchenko and her husband Denys, his sister Gay Buschkoetter and her husband Jim, and three grandchildren: Haylee Snyder, Jake Early and Zoey Early. He also leaves behind two animal companions, Pedro and Willow. No services will be taking place, the family asks in lieu of flowers that donation inquiries be made via email to earlyfamily62@gmail.com.
Tami Rock King says
He was such a wonderfully unique person!! So many wonderful memories, mostly funny ones! Love you Billie! Sure not going to right with you gone. Gay & Barb & his family, my love & prayers are with you!
Tony Hardy says
The world is a much better place for having had Bill in it. The sheer happiness and joy that he freely gave to others (myself included) was without measure. He was such an inspiration on so many levels. I miss him terribly.
Jim Alexander says
Bill was as joyfully enthusiastic about his many hobbies as he was kind to others. His talent knew no bounds. I will cherish the Starship Enterprise he lit and built for me, and my wonderful memories of Bill — always. Rest In Peace, friend. And, bless your wonderful family.
Janice Marksberry says
My prayers are with all the family.
Winston Dunlop says
Bill always had a great outlook on things and nothing wasn’t doable. I had the honor, and I do mean honor, of working with him on a LIS project and I got to speak with him on a regular basis, getting to know him and I couldn’t have asked to work with a better guy. His smile and humor will be missed. The world just lost someone special.
Michelle Joe Shelby and Tristan Buschkoetter says
You all have our deepest sympathy in this difficult time. Billy was such a nice guy with a quick mind and a great sense of humor. You all are in our prayers.
Becky Rock Hayden says
Our prayers are with you all, not enough words to say.
Nathanael Nesmith says
To Gay B. and the rest of Bill Early Jr’s family —
Dear Heavenly Father, may Your love, comfort, peace, and strength flow abundantly around and within all of these precious family members during this time of loss and grieving, and all of tomorrows! In Your Son Jesus’ name I ask this of You. Amen
❤️🙏
Abbie TI-22732 says
Bill will be missed by all of us in the 501st legion. His skills at creating amazing props and pieces will be missed
Kellye Wedding says
I am so sorry to hear our buddy has passed away! The Daviess County High School Class of 1980 has truly lost a good friend! We are praying for his family. I can not imagine losing someone during a pandemic.
We are lifting you up in prayers. He can Rest In Peace with no pain now! Xoxo
Frankie Estes and family says
May God keep you close to his heart and our love thoughts and prayers are with you all I will always remember his kindness sweetness and humor for sure rest in peace Bill
Janet Blair says
We are so sorry for this loss of another family member. Praying for your immediate family and close friends, peace, grace and comfort.
Mark Whitehouse says
I knew Bill as a electrician at AK Steel. Bill was not only a hard worker but I enjoyed conversation with him. He was a character! RIP friend!
Lee Staton says
Bill was a unique talent and a fountain of positivity for all who knew him. I’m sure that’s why he was able to surpass expectations: Sheer determination. All who knew him will miss him terribly. I know I sure will.
For those who aren’t aware, Bill was a regular at our WonderFest convention in Louisville for more than two decades. I’m not certain I know anyone else who touched so many other people with kindness and a generous nature.
Much love to Barbara and the rest of his family.
Jeanette Gregory says
I’m so sorry to hear the loss of Bill. I met Bill & Barbara when I worked at Hobby Lobby. He would share pictures of the models he had built and show me pictures of all the places they dressed up for the Star Wars events. Bill will be missed by everyone. I’m so sorry for your loss Barbara.
Ron Gross says
Bill was a true friend on a level that few people will ever have the pleasure of experiencing. The words “genuine,” “kind,” and “empathetic” do not even begin to describe what was his essential character. In addition, he loved life and exhibited a level of enthusiasm that was quite contagious. I will miss his passion and the incredible modeling skills that he shared, but above all, his company. Rest in peace, my dear friend.