William L. Metz, Jr., 64, of 347 Defiance Street in St. Marys, OH died Wednesday July 28, 2010 after suffering an apparent heart attack while unloading his semi-trailer in Cheektowaga, NY. His family is comforted by the fact that he died doing what he loved.

He was born November 14, 1945 in Lima, OH to William L. and Mary Ellen (Spees) Metz, Sr.

On May 7, 1942 in Georgia, he married Kathy J. Borden, who survives.

He is also survived by:

• son, Scott Metz of Bentonville, AR

• son, Daniel Metz of St. Marys, OH

• son, Darby (Alisha) Metz of Wapakoneta, OH

• daughter, Dara Metz of St. Marys, OH

• 8 grandchildren: Christopher Clayton, Hunter Myers, Damian Metz, . . Tate Ickes, Riley Metz, Rowden Metz, Colton Ickes, . Ashley Metz

• mother, Mary Ellen Metz of Wapakoneta, OH

• sister, Judith Metz of Wapakoneta, OH

• aunt, Wilma Painter of St. Marys, OH

• numerous cousins

He was preceded in death by his father, William Metz, Sr.; parents-in-law, Lewis and Mary Borden

He attended Wapakoneta Senior High School.

Mr. Metz was a professional driver in the transportation of commercial freight. He began working June 14, 1965 with the Stahler Trucking Co. in Wapakoneta, OH, where he remained until his untimely death. Bill possessed the rare qualities that made him well-liked and respected by co-workers and management alike.

What little free time he had was spent devoted to his family and circle of close of friends. His grandchildren, in particular, were a great source of pride and joy. They were convinced that he was worthy of the title, “greatest grandpa in the world.”

Rites for William Metz, Jr. will be conducted 11:00 a.m. Monday August 2, 2010 at Miller Funeral Home & Cremation Service 1605 Celina (Ohio 703 West) in St. Marys, with the Rev. Charles Richtmyer, officiating. Burial will follow at Greenlawn Cemetery, in Wapakoneta.

Visitation 2 - 4 and 6 - 8 p.m. Sunday at the funeral home on Celina Road (Ohio 703 West).

Memorial contributions may be directed to: Lake Improvement Association “Save Grand Lake” Fund.