Wiilie "Bill" Lee DeLoach

Bill DeLoach (Willie Lee) took his last breath surrounded by loved ones on Friday, October 10, 2025, at St. Joseph’s Hospital in Bellingham, Washington. His passing was sudden and unexpected. Bill had been diagnosed with Pancreatic cancer just a couple of weeks prior. It was so sudden that his follow-up appointment with the oncologist was scheduled for the week after he died. Bill was born on December 11, 1947, in Monroe, Louisiana, to Al and Agnes DeLoach. He would have been 78 on his next birthday. Lopez Island, Washington, has been his home since 2022, and because he loved it, he rarely left the island after moving from Dallas, Texas. Bill served in the US Navy when drafted in the 1960s. He completed his undergraduate degree while serving in the military and was promoted to an officer rank. He was always proud of his time in the Navy and was known to say, “When I was in the Navy…” when talking about his past. He saw active duty in Vietnam aboard several aircraft carriers as a weapons officer and other assignments. Most recently, he was working for the Blue Heron Bistro on Lopez, assisting with various accounting responsibilities. He loved his bistro “family”. Bill met his husband, Todd Crane, in August 2002 while living in Salt Lake City, Utah. They moved to Dallas, Texas, in 2006. They were married at home in September 2015. They had 22 years together and jokingly called their life together “Bill and Todd’s Excellent Adventure”. Bill loved his pups, making artwork, playing computer games, and doing home projects. Bill is survived by his husband, Todd, sons Mark DeLoach (Jacque), Ryan Crane (Sarah), and Scott Crane, granddaughters Tori, Alli, Ashlyn, Zoey, and grandsons Daylon, Taylor, and Philip. Bill was also a proud great-grandfather of Elliot and Brock (with a third one on the way soon). He is also survived by his sisters-in-law Edie Reardon (Mark) and Jennifer Buckallew (Ted Warner). His daughter, Jennifer Bene (Jenny), preceded him in death. A celebration of life will be held at a future date. Anyone who would like to submit their remembrances and anecdotes about Bill is encouraged to do so. Due to the suddenness of his passing, in lieu of flowers donations to cover end-of-life and medical expenses are welcome. A GoFundMe has been organized by the family https://gofund.me/1c1d68509

Wiilie "Bill" Lee DeLoach

December 11, 1947 - October 10, 2025