William N. "Bill" Bumiller

BUMILLER, William N. “Bill”, age 90, died surrounded by family on Sunday, September 12, 2021. He was born in Cincinnati, Ohio, the son of Theodore M. and Elizabeth R. Bumiller. He is survived by his three sons, William K. of Los Angeles, CA, Mark (Tami) of Redmond, WA, and David (Linda) of Kettering, Ohio; six grandchildren, Sarah, Anna (Craig), Emily, Elizabeth, Tess, and Liam; a great grandchild, Chloe; and four siblings-in-law, Pauline H. Davis, Faith B. (Davis) Lee, John C. Davis II and Ruth Ann (Daugherty) Bumiller. He was preceded in death by his wife of 58 years, Nancy Alden (Davis) Bumiller; and his three siblings, Theodore R. Bumiller, Margot (Bumiller) Cormier and Mary Elizabeth (Bumiller) Braun.

Raised in Clifton, Ohio, Bill graduated from Hughes High School in 1949, and received a Bachelor of Science from the University of Cincinnati in 1953, and a Master of Divinity from Church Divinity School of the Pacific in Berkeley, CA in 1958. A lifelong member of the Episcopal Church, beginning with his childhood church home, Calvary Episcopal Church in Clifton, Bill devoted his career to serving the church as rector of Trinity Episcopal Church in London, Ohio and as associate rector of St. George’s and St. Paul’s in Dayton. For decades, family members and friends were blessed to have the Reverend William Bumiller preside over baptisms, confirmations, weddings and funerals, many of which took place back home at Calvary Church.

An Eagle scout, Bill loved hiking, boating, fishing and camping and led many youth groups and Boy Scout troops on outdoor adventures, but he most enjoyed traveling with his family. From Alaska to Mexico, Nova Scotia to California, Bill and Nancy made countless trips throughout North America, often tent camping, to visit family, view natural wonders, and research family history, together, with their sons, and later with their grandchildren. Bill also treasured spending time in Lakeside, Ohio with 6 generations of his family over the course of his long life.

Bill was a voracious reader and excellent storyteller; his sense of humor and talent for conversation made many friends, and his loyalty and commitment to maintaining relationships allowed many of them to flourish for a lifetime. He was proud of his connection to his grandfather, E.W. Roberts who designed and manufactured motors used in many early planes. Bill’s thoughtful documentation of genealogy and family history is a gift to his family and future generations.

Bill also helped to raise three grandchildren, Anna, Emily and Liz, leading to many adventures in the pool, porch and backyard, many grammar and life lessons learned, and the gift of countless cherished family gatherings and vacations well into adulthood. Bill was unfailingly and steadfastly supportive of all of his children and grandchildren’s endeavors; the influence of his confidence, sense of humor and generosity of spirit in the lives of his family cannot be overstated. Bill’s life was full; he used his gifts wholeheartedly; his presence was transformative in the lives of family and friends. May he rest in peace.

A memorial service will be held at 2:00 PM on Friday, October 22 at St. Paul’s Episcopal Church in Oakwood, Ohio, followed by a visitation in the church cloister. Burial in Spring Grove Cemetery, Cincinnati, OH. Gifts in Bill’s memory may be made to Calvary Episcopal Church, 3766 Clifton Ave., Cincinnati, OH 45220. A special thanks to the staff of Brookdale Senior Living in Oakwood, especially Jackie and Julianna, for their excellent care