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Bill was born November 7, 1949 in New York, New York to John and Jacqueline Sitler. He joined the United States Army in 1969 and after a remarkable career, retired as a Major in 1989. Bill married the love of his life, Andrea, in 1970. He was a father to two children and “Pop” to two grandchildren. Bill was a gifted musician and a talented leader, qualities he instilled in his children. He loved his family deeply. Bill was a good man.
William J. Sitler, 70, of Columbus, Georgia passed away February 24, 2020 with his family by his side.
Bill is survived by his wife of almost 50 years, Andrea Sitler; daughter, Lisa (Tim) Lovett; son, Matthew (Melissa) Sitler; and beloved grandchildren, Andy and Kelli Lovett. He also leaves behind his brothers, John (Mary) Sitler and David (Gina) Sitler.
A Graveside Service with full military honors will be held 11:00 AM EST on Tuesday, March 3, 2020 at Ft Mitchell National Cemetery.
In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to Columbus Hospice or the Gary Sinise Foundation.
The Sitler family is being assisted by Georgia Cremation, 7500 Veterans Parkway, Suite A, Columbus, Georgia 31909, 706-577-0055. The family invites you to leave a condolence or share a fond memory of Bill below.
Sherlyn T Wolfe says
We send our sincere condolences and prayers of strength to Andrea and family. May God keep you during this time of great loss. Mr. Wolfe loved talking with Bill. In Loving Memory, Phillip and Sherlyn Wolfe
Valerie Eagan says
May the Lord help you through this. Wish we could hug you! May good memories be comfort for you. With love, Rich and Val Eagan.
Charlotte Lovett says
So sorry about the loss of this wonderful man. My prayers are with all his family during this very difficult time.
Charlotte Lovett and family.
Steve Lungstrum says
Andrea and family. Remember the good days and know Bill is no longer in pain.
Steve Lungstrum
Becky Ivey says
Lisa, you and your family are in my prayers.
With my sincere condolences, Becky
Bailey Buttner says
Sad I’m so far away but my heart is down in Georgia with you. I’m so sorry for this loss, but I know he’s smiling down at you!
Emilia Chittum says
Lisa, sending prayers to you and your family during this time. If there is anything we can do, please let us know.
MG(Ret) D. Allen Youngman says
Bill was an honorable warrior, true gentleman, and valued friend from long ago. He fought the good fight. Rest in peace, brother. Andrea, you’re in our prayers.
Allen and Alisa
Mike Chittum says
With sincere condolences and prayers for you and your family.
Jan Woodham says
Andrea and Family,
I am so very sorry and send condolences to you and your family. I know you and Bill spent many years together and by the things you often shared about him he was a good man, husband, father, grandfather and leader. Sending healing prayers to everyone.
Freda Stewart says
Andrea,
I am so sorry to hear about your husband. Praying for comfort for you and your family.
Freda Stewart
John C. Mayssonet says
Sorry to hear our fellow candidate, ‘retired Major Sitler’, passed away.
Ronald C. Craig says
Sincerest condolences for your loss. Bill was a good man and I am sure there are many great memories of him and the family. Try not to dwell on the loss, but celebrate the life and times you had with him. May God bless.
COL(Ret) & Mrs Mark Sullivan says
Bill is an honored comrade in arms who is deeply missed by his fellow classmates. He and Andrea have been part of our Aries 55 family since 1970. When we gather for our 50th reunion this April, Class VI will be raised in his name and Andrea and their son will be with us. RIP Bill.
Ann Walker says
Andrea, Lisa and Matt, my sincere condolence to you for your kids. Bill was a such a good man, husband, father and grandfather. You are so blessed to have so many wonderful memories of him. My loving thoughts and prayers are with each of you.
Pam Ezekiel says
Andrea,
I am so sorry for your loss and I pray you find peace and comfort in this time of transition. I didn’t know Bill that well, but I know you were devoted to each other. You and your family are in my thoughts and prayers.
Keith lovett says
Bill was an amazing man, and a wonderful father-in-law! You were a blessing in my life and I’m beyond thankful for the times we spent together and the things you taught at me. I love you and miss you dearly!
Knut Hovde says
Andrea and Family
Bill was a classmate in OCS many years ago. I remember him as a leader, and later at our reunion, a true friend during our time at Fort Benning. Our thoughts and prayers are with you and your family at this time
Judy Rabern says
Andrea,
I was so sorry to read that Bill had passed away. You shared so many funny stories about him while you were here. I will never think of poison ivy without laughing. I hope these memories will help you through the road ahead.
Tom Caiafa says
There are no words, I grieve with you
Robin Steinbrenner says
What a good man, indeed. I so appreciated Bill’s hard work, determination and “GRIT” while working with him during our tenure together at Perimeter Mall. He was like a father and I knew I could always depend on him. I so appreciated being accepted as a “babysitter” for the Sitler household watching over Mathew during Andrea and BIll’s date night. Bill was always so proud of Andrea’s work at Emory and all of his children. Heaven has received yet another angel and our world is a bit sad for our loss of Bill. Many thoughts and prayers for the Sitler family.
Matt Samson and family says
Andrea and family,
So sorry to hear about your loss. Bill was always great to be around and listen to his stories. He was a great man and patriot…he will truly be missed! You are in our thoughts and prayers.
Karen Kozemchak says
Remember so many fun times with Bill and the Perimeter Mall team over my 10 years in Atlanta. Bill lovingly teased me and called me “Kowalski”. Bill was the truest of friends and always there for support in any events we did especially with Santa’s arrival at Perimeter every year!! We all shared many, many beers at Applebee’s or Friday’s and loved the summer cook-outs and swimming at Bill & Andrea’s for the team.
Thoughts, prayers and hugs to Andrea and family!
Ed Buening says
Andrea Thoughts and prayers with you and family. Just had a vision of Cyndy meeting Bill singing “Yellow River” and “Proud Mary”. Love Ed
Jay Burns says
Andrea
Jay Burns here writing to send my best wishes on behalf of our friend and warrior, Bill. It was my great joy and honor to serve with you and him in those tough days in Bad Hersfeld. I join with all the “Blackhorse” family to send prayers for your trials in his illness and thanksgiving that he is at rest. Allons. Jay
John perry says
Bill was a classmate, friend, brother at arms and a true leader of men! A valued husband and father, men like him are rare! He will be deeply missed by all that knew him!
Our prayers and love to Andrea and his children!
John Perry, US Army Ret.
Barbara Jackson says
With heartfelt condolences , we are thinking of you during these difficult times.
David Wood says
Andrea and the Sitler Family,
I was so shocked and saddened to learn of Bill’s sudden death. You have my deepest and most heartfelt sympathy for your loss.
I can’t say enough wonderful things about Bill. He was an exceptional person who possessed an adventurous attitude toward life; coupled with a strong sense of patriotism, he was an inspiration to us all. He was a good friend to me and I will forever be thankful for having had the opportunity to know him.
I know that your faith and your family bonds will guide you in the days ahead. I pray that God will comfort you and help you through these difficult times. I hope that you may find some solace in knowing that your loss is shared so deeply. Please know that the prayers of so many people are with you and your wonderful family.
My thoughts and prayers are with you and your family. Stay strong and God Bless you and comfort you in this time of grief.
In Fellowship and Sorrow,
David Wood
B. B. and Katie Bell says
Remembering a young and handsome and loads of fun young Officer and his beautiful wife in Bad Hersfeld, Germany many years ago (and yesterday, at the same time). Andrea and family we pray for comfort and peace now and in the coming days and also pray that your wonderful memories sustain you. God bless you. Rest in peace, Bill.
Perry Beaty says
Bill was a man of integrity and an outstanding military officer. I had the privilege of serving under him while he was the K Troop XO in Bad Hersfeld Germany. It was also an honor to call him “FRIEND” after my service had ended and to have visited with him on a couple occasions. Our phone conversations would last at least an hour and with lots of laughter. He will always be my ” LT Sitler” forever. May God’s Grace sustain and guide you through this difficult time and forever.
Gerald Rosenbaum says
Andrea and family; Lynn and I send our condolences as well. Bill was always the guy in the OCS company who was willing to stir up the tactical officers just to get a laugh, and of course, an extra run. May your family find peace in the time of sorrow.
Gerald and Lynn Rosenbaum
Don McFetridge says
Bill is at Fiddler’s Green awaiting the rest of us, no doubt with a cold brew. in peace but, I wager, not in tranquility. Too much magic and personality for him to sit idly by. He had crossed the Line of Departure and is continuing the mission. Scouts out my cavalry friend and brother.
Jeanette Ramos says
Bill was a very great man and knowing him was an honor. Bill honored his country, his family and a big asset to several communities. He will be missed and remembered by many. All my love to the family.
Robin Royffe’ says
Andrea and family, I only met Bill a couple of times back in the day. Sorry to hear this news . If there is anything I can do to help please let us know. If you need to get away when all this passes please, know we are here for you and yours .
Glen Beddies, US Army, Ret says
My sincere condolences to the Sitler family for your loss. After 22 years in Special Forces, one of my fondest memory is having a chili supper at Ike’s quarters with Bill and Mark as I was passing through the J F K Center. Bill was truly one of the good guys. He will be missed
Wayne Smith says
So sorry to hear about Bill. He will always be in my memories of the 14th Cavalry and Bad Hersfeld. Rest in peace Bill.
Wayne Smith
Joe Morgan says
Please accept our deepest condolences.
Bill was on of the most unique and wonderful soldiers I ever had the honor to serve with in the 11th Armored Calvary Regiment. Joe and Hiltrud Morgan
Thomas Swindell says
My heartfelt condolences to the entire Sitler family. I am truly sadden by this news. When I think of Bill, I always think of “Summertime”. He was a great soldier, wonderful leader and a good friend. My thoughts and prayers to you Andrea in this time of great sadness. RIP on Fiddlers Green until we meet again.
Stephen P. Roman, LTCOL US Army (Retired) says
To the Sitler family, my deepest condolences. Bill and I served together as advisors to the 10th SF Group, Reserve and Guard units in MD, DE, PA and the DC area. Bill was truly a professional soldier, always exemplifying the motto, De Oppresso Liber. He will be missed.