"I'm really sorry you died, Billy. I find myself crying when I think about it. I hope you're at rest. We shared many, many experiences since childhood. You were my best friend. I could call you and really enjoy the conversation. We knew each other better than anybody else did. You were my other half and now you're gone forever! Rest in Peace, Billy."
In loving memory of
William Archer
December 28, 1952 - August 26, 2014
IN LOVING MEMORY OF WILLIAM ARCHER
William (Bill) Archer was born in the most momentous fashion on December 28, 1952. A New York Daily News photographer snapped a picture of Rosemarie Farley Archer and the bouncing baby boy that was just delivered by a police officer at home. That police officer became a mentor to Bill for many years of his life. While Bill was educated through the public school system of New York City, he told everyone who would listen that his main education occurred when he enlisted in the U.S. Army in 1970. He was stationed in Viet Nam and spoke of experiences that remained with him for the rest of his life, influencing his entire approach to life itself. The Army service also resulted in an extremely disciplined approach, particularly in his later years. He was never late on his job, or for any functions he attended. He has been known to arrive so early he helped with decorations.
In 1986, his first wife Areta gave birth to his son Billy, who he called Billy Bob, followed by his daughter Elyse in 1987. He loved his children with a passion, and devoted his life to their wellbeing. Even when they became adults he spoke to them several times a day, always ending with expressions of love.
In 1985, Bill began working with New York City Police Traffic Department, rising to Lieutenant/Supervisor. He loved his colleagues and was equally beloved by them. He ultimately became Union Delegate, becoming an outspoken advocate for his colleagues in every aspect of their profession.
In 1994, he met Sonia Crooks, and wooed her with enthusiasm. They were married in 1998. Her entire family welcomed him, with Billy, Elyse and the "cousins" spending wonderful holidays either in New York or Florida. The couple lived in Valley Stream, New York, where Bill was well known in the community. One example of Bill's kindness was when he took an elderly, homebound neighbor, Henry, under his wings. Bill made sure he had home cooked meals, visiting him almost every day when he was hospitalized. When Bill moved to Florida, Henry's daughter called to say that in his final days Henry told everyone that he had a son, Bill, and a daughter, Sonia, living in Florida. In 2009, Bill retired, and after much thought the couple relocated to Southwest Ranches, Florida. There began a wonderful journey for Bill. Although he sometimes complained about the heat, he was known as the barbecuer of the family. He could be seen in his backyard working on the grill, preparing for the numerous celebrations held at his home, known as "the Ranches." He was Uncle Bill to everyone, adults and children alike. During his hospital stay, even the hospital staff called him Uncle Bill.
Bill lived a wonderful and fulfilling life. He travelled extensively, and particularly enjoyed visiting San Francisco and going back to New York periodically to hang out with family and friends. He had an impact on everyone he met with his friendly, sociable manner. In no time he made friends with the neighbors in Southwest Ranches, even having everyone's telephone numbers so he could reach them if there was an emergency occurrence on their property. He loved staying at his timeshare in Orlando, which he visited just several months ago. He was truly family oriented, and his dream was to have all family members living in harmony and at peace with each other.
While Bill had been ill for some months, he went suddenly and peacefully to meet his Savior on August 26, 2014. He leaves behind his beloved wife Sonia, his dear children Billy and Elyse and their mother Areta, his cousin Lillian who was his babysitter and close confidant, mother-in-law Violet whose devotion to each other was touching, brother Ron and his family, cousins Fran and Patricia, his huge Florida family and friends as well as numerous family and friends in New York to mourn their loss. He was predeceased by his mother Rosemarie and brother Steve.
Let us not remember our beloved Bill in death, but celebrate a life well lived. Although he is no longer with us, he will live in our hearts forever.
Tributes
"Sorry it took me so long to write this i didn't know how to express what i am feeling. Archer always looked out for me,for that I will always be greatful. I will miss the phone calls. I miss him dearly. Life will not be the same without him.l.com"
"My husband embodied the unconditional love that our Lord tells us we should have for our fellow man, our neighbors. He loved everyone, and in turn he was loved by numerous people. At his viewing and funeral, attendees from Florida, as well as from New York, California, Pennsylvania, Atlanta and other areas paid their respect to a truly wonderful man. Young people spoke of his guidance and sense of humor. He was never too busy or tired to share something of himself with someone. I miss him with all my heart, and I am so grateful for the tremendous outpouring of love and support we received during this extremely difficult time."
"No words...."
"I didn't know Bill that well but my wife Kallie did. I can tell you that if you needed his help he was there for you. I will never forget how he helped my brother Labor Day weekend with a personal matter. May God always keep him close and may he watch over the family. Rest eternal Bill, many miss you. "
"Loved Arch so much. He and Sam remained friends from the time he was 17 years old. He always checked on me to make sure I was OK after Sam passed last year. I can say I know what you're going thru and I wish I could take away the pain. Hugs and prayers to all of you at this very trying time."
"I'm so sorry for your loss. Please accept my deepest sympathy. May you find comfort from your memories, as well as God's word the Bible. Why do people we love die? Romans 5:12 says: "That is why, just as through one man (Adam) sin entered into the world and death through sin, and thus death spread to all men because they had all sinned." How loving of God to promise what is found at Revelation 21:4 which says, "And he will wipe out every tear from their eyes, and death will be no more, neither will mourning nor outcry nor pain be anymore. The former things have passed away I invite you to visit the following site for more on this promise; www.jw.org"
"I'm very thankful to have known uncle Bill. He always greeted me with a kiss on the cheek!! Really going to miss him!! "
" Archer was a good friend . I really enjoyed the time we worked together He was so funny we always had good laugh . heartfelt condolences"
"I love that he was the truth at all times he never held back in what was right he stood up for what was right at all times he was a good coworker a good friend a good man you are truely truely missed.
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"Uncle Bill treated my kids as if they were his own, he loved them so much. "
"I will never forget the great breakfast every Satuday!! I love Bill "
"I remember when were about to celebrate new year from 1999 to 2000, and every one was talking about Y2K and how it's gonna destroy a lot of things computers etc. we were at the House in Valley Stream sitting in the living room. Bill being the prankster that he is went outside to the fuse box and killed all the power to the house, leaving us in the dark for a few seconds, everybody jumped out of their chairs thinking something had really happened with this Y2K. Our condolences to the Family, Bill was fun to be around and will be missed R.I.P. Bill ."