William "Bill" Ross Stoddard, 76, of Memphis, TN passed away in peace on Saturday, April 30, 2016 at Methodist Hospice Residence in Memphis, TN from a chronic respiratory illness. Bill''s wife, Elizabeth (Betty) Goforth Stoddard predeceased him by 26 months. He leaves behind his only son, William G Stoddard, daughter-in-law Karen Stoddard, granddaughter Anna Stoddard and grandsons Ethan Stoddard and Ryan Stoddard, all residents of North Carolina. A dear friend summed up his relationship with Bill thusly: "What a wonderful man. I wish I had met him earlier in our lives." And so it was with Bill, recognized by all of his friends as a generous, tolerant, fair, patient and wonderful man of strong Christian faith. Bill served 6 years in the United States Air Force, stationed first at England Airforce Base Louisiana and then at Armstrong Station Ontario. He was honorably discharged as airman 1st class in Sept 1964. He was a gifted problem solver. Bill could tackle any problem and succeed. He was a master knife maker, photographer and nature lover.
Bill and his wife Elizabeth were Stephen Ministers representing Advent Presbyterian Church and together they provided many years of Christian care to others in need in Memphis. Bill loved learning new things, speculating about science and the nature of life and the universe and sharing what he learned. He was always growing in some way throughout his life...intellectually, as a Christian and as a human. He left an indelible mark on those fortunate enough to be a part of his life. He delivered timely and simple wisdom, exactly when it was most needed. His most simple, and valuable lesson was this . . . "can''t never did nothing". And that is how he lived his life. Bill''s presence will be missed by his friends and family. There will be a Visitation from 5 to 7 PM, Tuesday May 3 at Forest Hill Funeral Home - East. Please join Bill''s family and friends to celebrate his life and rejoice in the love and joy he brought to those whose lives he touched. The Funeral Service will commence at 10:00 AM Wednesday May 4 at Forest Hill Cemetery - East. Donations in Bill''s name to Advent Presbyterian Church or the Leukemia and Lymphoma Society are welcome. For this God is our God forever and ever; he will be our guide even to the end. Through Jesus Christ our Savior, Amen.

Forest Hill Funeral Home and Memorial Park East
(901) 382-1000