Bill was a well-respected and active member of the Manning community, with a long association with many sporting clubs in the region.

This included life memberships with the Taree Old Bar Surf Club and the Taree Old Bar Surf Rugby League Club.

Throughout his years in the Manning, Bill was also involved with the Manning River Sailing Club, bowls with Taree City, the tennis club, and men's basketball, as well as the show society.

Bill and his wife Shirley were recognised for their community work when they were recipients of Australia Day awards.

Bill spent the majority of his working life with Adamson's trucking company delivering parcels to the business community of Taree.

Bill had three children, Rhonda, Geoff and Peter, as well as eight grandchildren and eight great-grandchildren.

Bill's son Geoff said that Bill was amazed at how far technology had come in his lifetime, from growing up in Glenthorne without a telephone, to being able to see his large family through Skype.

Bill's spent the final years of his life in Ballina at Crowley Care Centre, where Shirley still resides.

Bill will be remembered as a man who was well-respected in the community for having times for others, as well as a loving family man.

His funeral will be held in Ballina at 10.30am tomorrow.