William (Bill) Carl Eads Jr. - 1944 - 2019

 

McMinnville has lost one of its greatest citizens, the one and only "Bottle Bill."  Bill passed away May 27, 2019. He was born August 28, 1944, in Dallas, Oregon, to father W.M. Carl Eads and mother Elsie Barker. He was the oldest of three, with a brother, David, and sister, Sheron. Bill's aunt Eleanor Boyer and Alma Youmans were also very special to Bill throughout his life.
Bill lived with his family until he was admitted to Fairview Hospital and Training Center at the age of 13. After leaving Fairview, Bill moved to McMinnville, Oregon. He received support from MV Advancements in a limited capacity throughout the 1980s until moving into a group home permanently in 1995.
Bill worked in janitorial services, but his true passion was self-employment and entrepreneurship. Some of his jobs included: playing the harmonica on Third Street every Friday and Saturday night while kids dragged the gut--donations were always welcome; bottle collection where the legend of "Bottle Bill" began; landscaper; band manager; dog trainer; professional gift wrapper; chef; vehicle broker; handyman; sidewalk custodian; personal shopper; Santa; and parking attendant, to name a few.
To name one word that best described Bill, it would be loyal. Bill loved and cherished his friends, their families, children and pets. Any room Bill entered lit up with his infectious smile and twinkling blue eyes. If you were lucky enough to know him, you were always greeted with "Hi, brother; Hi, honey; I love you lots."
Wherever you are now, Bill, we know you're on your bike, hauling an oversized trailer and smoking your pipe. You were loved BIG by this community. A celebration of life will be held at 10:00 a.m. Friday, June 28, at the McMinnville Community Center, 600 N.E. Evans St., McMinnville.

Comments

hkacker

Bill was such a sweet man with a contagious smile. I can imagine him now up in heaven playing his guitar and singing.
I will miss running into you Bill,

Orygungurl68

I loved working with Bottle Bill. He always had a smile on his face. We never knew what he would bring home. He loved his collection of stuff. His house makes loved him. I know they will all miss him. McMinnville has lost a legend. REST IN PEACE MR. BILL.

Orygungurl68

An angel whispered.
Take my hand and
come with me.
Your work here is done.

I went away to a place
Where there's no more tears, nor sorrow
Only laughter and smiles.
There will always be a tomorrow

As I move amongst the clouds,
I'll look down and
Smile upon you,
while the Angels sing a heavenly song.

I am not alone, all who went before me
Are here, they awaited my return.

I know you will grieve and wish
I was still here. I am here in the memories
You hold dear.

Remember how much I love you
And know I took your love with me.

I did not wish for you to cry.
Nor feel sad.
My pain is gone and
I am free.

Soon you'll come to me
Until then, God will be with you
Just as He's with me.

Unknown Author

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