George William Rayhill
1921-2014
Bill Rayhill passed away comfortably November 24th. His family was ever present, especially in the last few months visiting with him to share thoughts and memories of a life well-lived. Bill was born in Moravia, Iowa on January 17th 1921 and settled in San Francisco after World War II.
Ever modest, Bill took little credit for his achievements. Bill graduated from Cornell College of Mt. Vernon Iowa in 1941 at the age of 20. He entered the Navy Aircorp in World War II as a lieutenant. While serving as a dive bomber in the Pacific Theatre, he was awarded the Bronze Star for heroic action on the U.S.S. Franklin. Bill returned home to start a family and launched a successful 46 year career in the insurance industry.
In 1946, Bill married Helen Loraine Bidelman and had three children, Sally Anne Rayhill, William Charles Rayhill and Robert Edward Rayhill. Bill is survived by Sally Rayhill Dellanini and William Charles Rayhill. Bill and Helen shared 28 years together raising a family and growing the family insurance business. Their spare time was spent almost exclusively in their shared love of golf. They were both members of local golf clubs.
Bill honored his father who was a Methodist Minister by serving the Methodist Church for over 40 years. His service included membership on the Board of Directors of the California and Nevada Methodist Homes.
In 1975, Bill married Vivian Bushnell. They shared a thirty-three year marriage enjoying world travel, golf, the San Francisco 49’ers and the San Francisco Giants. With his marriage Bill became part of a large extended family, with many children calling him “Grandpa”. Bill was loved by Vivian’s children and their spouses; Lee and Karen Bushnell, Kathy and Howard Langfelder, Andrea Bushnell and Hany Abdel Gawad, Patricia and Bruce Schafer. Bill will be missed by his grandchildren Michael Langfelder, Elise Saporta, Carla Saporta Cheng and Tarik Abdel Gawad.
Bill was a very intelligent person who pursued knowledge and understanding to succeed in life. He was extremely responsible and disciplined in all his endeavors.
Services will be private. Donations may be made to any preferred charity.

Published in San Francisco Chronicle on Dec. 28, 2014
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