A memorial service took place Tuesday at Lakewood Funeral Home for William Norman Metcalf, 79, of Ceres. He died Sept. 22, 2008 with his family by his side.

Born Feb. 8, 1929 in Richfield, Idaho to Earl and Goldie Metcalf, Bill came to Ceres in 1939. Bill graduated from Ceres High School in 1947 and worked at various jobs before joining the Army in 1950 to serve in the Korean War. Following the war he moved to Oregon where he met and married Jeannie Murphy. They had three children and settled in the Ceres/Modesto area.

Mr. Metcalf was the head butcher in numerous stores for 30 years, including Bell Mart. His love of barbecuing earned him the nickname, "Barbecue Bill" by family and close friends. Mr. Metcalf enjoyed golfing and spending time with his family and friends. He was a past member of the Moose Lodge, Eagles and Civitan Club.

Mr. Metcalf leaves behind his children, Renee Shaver, Curtis Metcalf and Brad Metcalf; sisters, Janice Ingwerson and Linda Morrison; and four grandchildren, Nicole, Bailey, Devyn and Brooke. He was preceded in death by his parents and sister Leila Metcalf Sanders.

Remembrances may be sent to The Civitan Club or Howard Training Center.

-Ceres (Calif.) Courier /October 1, 2008