William J. "Bill" Bellis, Sr.

             William J. “Bill” Bellis, Sr., 62, of Cranberry, died early Wednesday morning, April 25, 2018 at Oakwood Heights in Oil City following a period of declining health.

            He was born in Franklin on August 11, 1955 to Lillian (Stewart) Bellis and the late John H. Bellis. 

            Bill was a 1973 graduate of Cranberry High School. 

            He was a member of the Fryburg Sportsman's Club.  When his son was younger, he was active with the 4-H Club and Boy Scout Troop 111 in Seneca. 

            He enjoyed hunting with his family and took several trips to Canada to hunt moose and bear with his wife. Bill loved to go shooting, fishing, and hunting with his grandsons.  He also enjoyed woodworking and making items for local craft shows. 

            In his earlier years, Bill worked with his father at Bellis Oil Field Service.  For the last 28 years,  he was employed by Cranberry Bus Company.

            He was married in Seneca on September 20, 1975 to the former Kathy L. Johnson, and she survives.  Also surviving is his mother, Lillian Bellis of Victory Heights; his son, William J. Bellis, Jr. and his wife Rita of Franklin; two grandsons, Hayden and Callen Bellis; two brothers-in-law, Mike Johnson and his wife Jodi and Dan Johnson and his wife Alma, all of Franklin; several nieces and nephews; and other extended family. 

            He was preceded in death by his father and a sister. 

            Friends will be received Sunday (April 29th) from 2 - 4 and 6 - 8 p.m. in the Hile-Best Funeral Home, 2781 Rte. 257 in Seneca, Cranberry Township.  A funeral service will be held in the funeral home Monday (April 30th) at 11 a.m. with Rev. Jamie Fowler, pastor of  Hasson Heights Community Church, officiating.  Interment will follow in Brandon Cemetery in Cranberry. 

            In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made to Venango County 4-H, 867A Mercer Rd., Franklin, PA 16323; Camo Cares, P.O. Box 972, Knox, PA 16232; or Clarion County Sportsman for Youth, P.O. Box 953, Knox, PA  16232.

                And a final note from Bill:  "Well, this is not what I had planned, but it pains me to say that I have passed.  Don't cry for me, but laugh about the memories we have made. Well, maybe cry a little bit, I have passed.  But for today, I am in a tree stand and the rest of you have to go to work.  Thank you to all!"

            Condolences may be submitted to Bill's family online by visiting www.hilebest.com

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