William Reece Tandy was born in St. Louis, Missouri on May 12, 1946, to John and Eileen (Johnson) Tandy. He passed away at Mercy Hospital, Springfield, June 17, 2023 at the age of 77 after a brief illness.

Perhaps foreshadowing his one-of-a-kind personality coming into the world, Bill arrived at the stroke of midnight giving his parents their choice of a birth date. Before Bill turned one, his father moved his family which included Bill's older siblings, Helen and John, to Willow Springs where Captain Tandy assumed command for Troop G of the Missouri State Highway Patrol.

Bill never missed an opportunity to share how happy he was he was raised in Willow Springs.  He made lifelong friendships and cherished what he described as his "Leave it to Beaver" childhood. His early life was not without challenges, however. In the 1950's, Bill contracted Polio and was hospitalized in Springfield in an iron lung.  Bill credited his father's devotion to home therapy for regaining use of his arm and allowing him to not only play sports but excel. He was Co-Captain of the Willow Springs Bears football team where he earned an All-Conference Honorable Mention, and a catcher for its baseball team. He was a popular student, elected Class President and Homecoming King, but he was also remembered for using his influence to stand up for his classmates. He played Curly in the high school production of "Oklahoma!" and was offered a music scholarship to KU for his accomplishments playing trombone. He was proud of receiving the highest scores possible on his trombone solos at the State Music Contests in Columbia, Missouri.

Following in his father's footsteps, Bill joined the Missouri State Highway Patrol in 1967, becoming the youngest trooper in the state at the age of 21. He served on the Highway Patrol for Troop D in Springfield for fifteen years, achieving the rank of Corporal and serving as First Aid Instructor and Communications Officer. Bill was a storyteller, and his stories of his experiences on the Patrol never disappointed.

While on the Patrol, Bill took advantage of the provisions of the federal Crime Control and Safe Streets Act of 1968 to further his education graduating magna cum laude from Drury College with a Bachelor's of Science degree in Psychology, Sociology and Law Enforcement and Corrections.  He later pursued a Master's degree in Criminal Justice Administration from Central Missouri State University, graduating with a 4.0 grade point average.  His education was all completed while working full time to support his young family.

In 1982, Bill retired from the Patrol and joined Associated Wholesale Grocers as Safety Director.  Soon promoted to Director of Transportation, Bill enjoyed a reputation for being tough but fair as he successfully achieved over 250,000,000 miles of product distribution to member retailers in a multistate area. Bill retired from AWG in 2009 after 27 years with the company.

Bill was a Mason, member of the Gate of the Temple and member of the Abou Ben Adhem Shrine serving as Potentate in 1998. He enjoyed traveling and was afforded many opportunities through his association with the Shrine and employment at AWG. He was active as a player and coach in local softball and was an avid follower of Mizzou football, St. Louis Cardinals baseball and the Kansas City Chiefs. His viewing experiences were enhanced by texting back and forth with his friends and family during the games. He loved watching Westerns, remembering watching them with his father as he was growing up.  He had an interest in all things pertaining to World War II and an affinity for veterans, the elderly, and children. He especially loved and protected all animals. He was usually up for breakfast at Cedars or coffee at Panera but was happiest simply enjoying time at home.

In 2002 Bill met Becky Myers and her family which at the time included her three sons, her 80-year-old mother, and a 90-pound dog. It was a package deal and although each moving part may have been foreign to him– Bill made it work. Bill included "Grammy" on Friday night dinner dates with Becky during which Grammy was treated to her favorite cocktail and on ice cream outings to Braum's. How could you not love him? The love Bill and Becky shared for 21 years changed their lives forever and brought great happiness to them and they would like to think to those around them as well.

As was their tradition, Bill and Becky were celebrating his birthday in Las Vegas when Bill first became ill and was hospitalized. He was able to return home before being again hospitalized in Springfield Memorial Day weekend.  Becky would like to thank Mercy Gastroenterology Group – particularly Trevor Doren, PA - for their perseverance in trying to find answers for Bill and his family and Transitional Care Team member Cat Lee for the clarity and advocacy she brought to Bill's complex medical conditions and hospital stay.

Bill was preceded in death by his parents, Becky's mother, and his son-in-law, Bruce Brown.  He is survived by his sister Helen Tandy, Independence, brother John Tandy (Cyndi), Jefferson City, former sister-in-law Sharon Gaston, Springfield, his wife of 14 years Becky, children Jill Brown, Kim Bailey, Mike Tandy and Missy Miller, all of the Springfield area, bonus sons Tyler Myers, NYC, Colin Myers (fiancé Brittany Badertscher) and Carter Myers, Tampa, several grandchildren, great grandchildren, nieces, nephews and a host of friends. Missing him also are his rescue cats and constant companions, Trooper and Willow.

Celebration of Life services will be held at Gorman-Scharpf funeral home on Tuesday, June 27 at 1pm. In lieu of flowers, Bill would be honored by a donation to Shriners Children's Hospital or C.A.R.E. Animal Rescue.