William Frederick Bickleman

William (Bill) F. Bickleman , 79, passed away July 30, 2023, in his home surrounded by family. Born June 2, 1944, in Portage, Pennsylvania, to the late William R. and Margaret (Knapp) Bickleman.

William grew up in Portage, where he graduated from Portage Area High School in 1962. After high school he moved with his parents to Mt. Clemens, Michigan where he worked for Pontiac Motors. He then enlisted in the United States Air Force in 1964, completing his basic training at Lackland Air Force Base in San Antonio, Texas. On August 14, 1965, Bill married his sweetheart, Kate, and together they raised three children. He was then stationed at Selfridge AFB in Mt. Clemens and then transferred to Pittsburgh, for three years. He was then stationed back to Selfridge until his move to Dobbins AFB, moving his family for the final time to Powder Springs, Georgia, until he retired after 36 years of service in 1999 as chief master sergeant and a superintendent of Aircraft Maintenance. He represented the highest level of enlisted leadership in the Unites States Air Force Reserve. During his military days, he traveled to many places around the world.

Bill was an active member of the American Legion for 50 years, starting at Post #4 in Mt. Clemens and finishing at Post #294 in Powder Springs. He enjoyed volunteering his time, working bingo and holding several officer positions over the years. He will always be remembered and loved by his Legion family.

He is survived by his loving wife of 58 years, Kathleen (Kate) Bickleman; Sons, Bill Bickleman (Andrea) of Dallas, Georgia, and Rodney Bickleman of Powder Springs. Daughter Tammy Seymour (Jason) of Douglasville, Georgia. His grandchildren, Kaylynn Bickleman (Austin), Ansleigh McMinn (Sean), Brendan Bickleman, and Austin, Jacob and Ryan Seymour. Sisters, Dorothy "Dot" (the late Scott Adams) of Goose Creek, South Carolina, Margaret (Bob) Barnard of Ft. Payne, Alabama, and Martha (Ken) Burt of Mt. Clemens. He also has many nieces and nephews.

The family will receive friends on Wednesday, August 9, 2023, at Clark Funeral Home at 4373 Atlanta Hwy, Hiram, GA 30141 from 6:00 p.m. till 9:00 p.m. A Funeral Mass will be said on Thursday, August 10, 2023, at 10:00 a.m. with Father Adrian officiating at St. Vincent de Paul Catholic Church at 680 West Memorial Dr, Dallas, GA 30132. Immediately followed by a military service to honor Bill at the National Cemetery in Canton, Georgia at 12:30 p.m. The family invites all for fellowship at the American Legion Post #294 at 3282 Florence Rd, Powder Springs, GA 30127 at 4:00 p.m.

Clark Funeral Home is honored to care for the Bickleman Family during this difficult time.