It is with great sadness that I report the loss of our dear friend and one of our founding members, Bill Fillings. Bill not only was on our Board of Directors, he was one of the charter members of the Post and was an active member despite his failing health. His devotion and dedication to the Post was legendary, and he worked very hard to keep the Post going through some of our most difficult times.

From his obituary on the Charles F. Snyder website:

Jay William Filling, 86, of Millersville, died on Wednesday, September 21, 2011 at Hospice of Lancaster County Essa Flory. Born on April 10, 1925, Bill was the son of the late Frank F. and Kathryne (Taylor) Filling. Bill is survived by his wife, Kathryn “Kitty” Dechant (Hauck) Filling. Bill and Kitty are members of Lutheran Church of the Holy Spirit, Lancaster.

Bill graduated from Penn Manor High School and Millersville University. Bill also attended the University of Kentucky, where he was a star basketball player.

Having served our country as an Air Force cadet beginning in 1943, he was later commissioned as a Second Lieutenant in 1945.

Bill started Filling’s Clothing Store, a division of Filling’s, Inc., in 1948. He was a devoted businessman and spent his entire working career building the family business, now being run by the third generation. He retired as President in 1995.

Bill was a charter member and past President of the Lancaster Sertoma Club. He served on the Hempfield Zoning Board and Hempfield School Board, serving two years as President. He also served on the Board of Directors of Lancaster County Chamber of Commerce; the Board of Directors of Lancaster County Council of Boy Scouts; the Board of Directors of Wyomissing Savings and Loan; and the Board of Directors of the Millersville VFW, where he was a charter member. Bill was a member of the Harrisburg Royal Order of Jesters; the Harrisburg Zembo Temple; and a 50 year member of the Charles M. Howell Masonic Lodge as a 32nd degree Mason. He also was a member of the Slumbering Groundhog Lodge of Quarryville and the ROMEO’s (Retired Old Men Eating Out).

Bill was also a member of the Hamilton Club, Conestoga Country Club, Tanglewood Golf Club, and Millersville Lions Club. He played competitive basketball and enjoyed skiing and playing golf for many years.

Bill will be deeply missed by his wife of 60 years, Kitty, and his children and grandchildren: Linda and her children, Ashley and Chase Johnston; Bill, Jr., wife Tara (Donohue), and their children, Morgan and Tyler; Jay, wife Mary Beth (Aichele), and their children, J.J., Lindsay, and Katie. He is also survived by siblings Frank Filling, Jr.; Mary Klemmer; Richard Filling and wife, Barbara; Kay Strayley; and James Filling and wife, Linda. He is preceded in death by siblings Betty Echterling and Albert Filling. Many nieces and nephews also survive.

Relatives and friends are respectfully invited to attend a Celebration of Life Memorial Service on Monday, September 26, 2011 at 11:30am at the Lutheran Church of the Holy Spirit 3131 Columbia Ave. Lancaster, PA with the Rev. Richard Jorgensen officiating. Visitations with the family will held on Sunday from 4-7pm at the Charles F. Snyder Jr. Funeral Home & Crematory 3110 Lititz Pike and again at the church on Monday from 10:30-11:30am. Interment will be private in the Chestnut Level Presbyterian Church Cemetery with Military Honors accorded by the Red Rose Veterans Honor Guard and the Vet-21 Salute Honor Guard. In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made to The Lancaster Sertoma Club to benefit The Long’s Park PO Box 1061 Lancaster, PA 17608 or Hospice of Lancaster County 685 Good Dr PO Box 4125 Lancaster, PA 17604 or online at www.hospiceoflancaster.org in appreciation and gratitude for their unwavering support and kindness. To send the family an online condolence please visit SnyderFuneralHome.com. Charles F. Snyder Jr. Funeral Home & Crematory 717-560-5100

Our condolences go out to his wife Kitty, and our thoughts and prayers go out to all his family.