William D. Conley

William D. "Bill" Conley, of Gallipolis, passed peacefully from this world into the next early Monday, October 4th.  Born in 1943 of humble beginnings, Bill never stopped reminding his family of how old he was, how far he'd come, and how dedicated to Christ he would always be.  Fueled by a supportive group of loving siblings, Bill went on to shape the world around him in a way as unique as he was.

Bill was blessed with an abundance of talent from birth, setting athletic records that would withstand decades of challenges, earning him recognition among his peers and the community as a 2008 recipient of the Gallia Academy High School Athletic Hall of Fame.  Bill lettered and exceled in four main sports:  track, basketball, football, and golf.  He would later go on to win both the 1977 and 1981 Southeastern Ohio Golf Association Championships along with dozens of other awards and honors for his golfing abilities.

A 1967 graduate of The Ohio State University and a 1972 graduate of Ohio Northern University with a degree of Juris Doctor, Bill propelled himself into a life of influence both personally and professionally.  In 1976, he married his bride of 45 blissful years, Vivian Hansen, and they had 3 children.  Together the two built a home and a small farm along with a successful solo law practice in Gallia County that lasted until their retirements in 2017, a total of 45 years.  During this time, Bill continued to use his professional practice as an opportunity to invite everyone to church and to witness to those around him about his love and passion for Christ.  In 1998, Bill felt that God was calling him and a group of fellow believers to build and establish a new non-denominational church centrally located in the county.  In 2006 the doors of Gallia Cornerstone Church officially opened in its new location at the corner of US 35 and State Route 850.

A summary of Bill's life would not be complete without extolling his love for God.  He believed firmly in the loving forgiveness of Christ and witnessed tirelessly to his community, as an educator and Sunday School teacher of over 60 years.  Saved by grace at the age of 14, Bill dedicated his life to loving and serving others as God commanded.  He raised his children in the Gallipolis Nazarene Church, where he served as a member of the congregation and church board as well as a tenure as Sunday School Superintendent.  His service to the Church included Saturday evening visitation with those in the community and early Sunday morning bus routes, picking up children for Church, anywhere and everywhere he could.  Bill, together with his wife, hosted many parties and events for children, teenagers and young married couples in the Church at their home in Gallipolis and in day trips across the state, influencing others to seek God's will for their lives and proclaiming his love for Jesus to anyone who would listen.  Professionally, Bill was an advocate for rehabilitation and reform, especially for the youth he represented in court.  Long before it was popular, Bill passionately argued for the at-risk youth in the penal system to be given a chance at rehabilitation through work, religion and community service.  His work to affect change in the criminal justice system will long be remembered by those he advocated for so fearlessly.  He simply never stopped believing in the power of love and forgiveness; He always saw the good in everyone.

While we mourn the passing of such a loving and devoted man, we are comforted in the knowledge that Bill is with his Creator, along with his mother and father, Howard and Maxine Conley, and 3 siblings: Marjorie Shimp, Jacquelyn Hughes, and Harlan "Chick" Conley.  He leaves behind his loving wife of 45 years, Vivian Conley, and 3 grown children:  Erin (Darrick) Knapp, Beth (George) Caison, and Steven (Amanda) Conley, as well as 13 grandchildren:  Samuel, Aiden, and Seth Knapp; Isaac, Isla, and Jack Caison; and Austin, Ian, Brady, Beau, Jayla, Avery, and Miley Conley, along with his twin sister, Jean Davison and a younger brother, Paul Conley.

Bill's incredible zest for life, unending passion for God and family and quirky disposition will be greatly missed here on Earth, and surely celebrated in Heaven.  The family asks that you please join them in celebrating such a purposeful and blessed life during calling hours to be held this Friday, October 8 ^th , from 4 to 6pm at the Gallia Cornerstone Church, located at 1991 State Route 850.  A funeral service, conducted by Reverend Isaac Shupe, will be held Saturday, October 9 ^th , beginning at 11am, also at Gallia Cornerstone Church with special music by Reverend Raynard Martin.  Following the service, Bill will be laid to rest next to family in Old Pine Cemetery in Rio Grande.

In lieu of flowers, the family requests that donations be made in Bill's honor to Gallia Cornerstone Church.  Also, to allow everyone to safely attend, the family respectfully requests that guests wear facial masks and participate in social distancing as recommended.

An online guest registry is available at www.waugh-halley-wood.com