William "Bill" Yoe Sr

William "Bill" Yoe, Sr., age 94, passed away Friday, April 22, 2016 at Rae-Ann Nursing Home. He was born on August 31, 1921, in Painesville, to Lou Yoe and Rachael Martin. Bill was a 1939 Graduate of Harvey High School where he became the State marble champion and was the runner-upAt the National Championships and was known by his peers as "Shoeless Joe". Upon graduation he served in the U.S. Navy and was offered a scholarship to Fenn College, due To his time serving for the Armed Forces. Bill married Justina Sutch in Fairport Harbor on October 17, 1942. Due to his love of plants and trees, Bill soon turned his hobby into a family business when he established W.S. Yoe Nurseries, Inc. in Madison, in 1947. By day he worked as an expeditor at Reliance Electric, until he later retired in the late 1960's, when Yoe's Nursery would be his fulltime career. He and his wife would spend their winters in Hollywood Beach, Florida, where he enjoyed shuffleboard,Swimming and spending time with his fellow snowbirds. He also enjoyed bowling and golf. He was baptized as one of the Jehovah's witnesses in 1989 and he remained faithful and was active in The ministry until his death. He enjoyed planning and participating the building of and landscapingThe Kingdom Halls. Bill continued working out in the fields at the nursery into his late 80's.He was very well-known and liked by customers and horticulturalists and will be greatly missed by members of the industry. His valuable knowledge has been handed down through generations and will continue on through his family. He is survived by his wife of 73 years, Justina; Son William "Terry"(Barbara) Yoe of Madison, Daughter Ilona "Sis" Kovats of Madison, Son William "Billy" (Patricia) Yoe Jr.,Of Madison, Sister Betty (George) Sudbrook and Eva Vego; Grandchildren Tracy Yoe, Kelly Lillback,Christopher Kovats, Steven Yoe Sr., Deverest Kovats, Pete Kovats, Paul Yoe and Nick Kovats.He has nine great-grandchildren and five great-great grandchildren. He is preceded in death by his grandson Greyson Schuyler Yoe. Memorial Services will be held 4:00 PM Sunday, May 15, 2016 at the Kingdom Hall of Jehovah's Witnesses 7320 Middle Ridge Rd. Madison, Ohio 44057. Arrangements are being handled by Potti Funeral Home 2726 Hubbard Rd. Madison Ohio 44057.