William Guy Roll
May 26, 2011
Billy Roll, 59, passed away on Thursday, May 26, 2011. A visitation will be held on Tuesday, May 31, 2011, from 5 to 7 p.m. at Hamilton’s on Westown Parkway, 3601 Westown Parkway in West Des Moines.
Billy was born on February 17, 1952, to Beverly and William Roll in Des Moines, IA. He studied music composition at Drake University and was a classical pianist and an accordionist. Billy had a tremendous respect for literature and was an avid reader and book collector. He loved to listen to and compose classical music. He married his beloved wife, Erin Roll on January 12, 1999. Billy was the Head Programmer Analyst for Sears Corporate and managed teams around the country.
He will be greatly missed by his loving wife, Erin; and mother-in-law, Lynn Vander Linden.
Memorial contributions may be directed to the family, and condolences made at:
www.HamiltonsFuneralHome.com
Rosa E. Garcia
07/19/2012
Dear Erin, it has been more than a year since Billy's passing and he always comes to mind. I miss my friend. I hope you are doing well and pray that time has healed some of the hurt. I always remember Billy telling me how much he loves you; you are his everything! At work, you would be proud to hear how well Colossus (Billy's Baby) is doing. He would also be so proud of its success! You take care Erin. Send you many warm regards, Rosa.
Rosa E. Garcia
07/18/2011
Erin,
Today is my first day back from Maternity leave, when I read the email about Billy my heart just broke. I did not hear about Billy's passing until today. My condolences go out to you and your family. Billy spoke about you so much, he loves you with all his heart! I know that Billy is at peace and I am sure he is living it up with the good Lord. How I wish I could have spoken to him just one last time... I would share with him that I had a baby boy on May 18th, his name is Christian; Nicolas is 19 months old and my oldest Adrian is starting High School in August and joined the football team. Roger and I have been together now for six years, no still not married but I know he is not going anywhere. Overall we are blessed. Erin, if you ever need anything, just to chat or a voice to hear you out, I am here. Please feel free to call me 312 218 5798 or at work 708 233 4700. I would always tell Billy to give you my best at the end of my emails... I sending my best to you Erin. Though Billy may not be with us, he lives in many fun, happy and loving memories. Love, Rosa.
Mary Kate Ryan
06/02/2011
Dear Erin, I'm so sorry I know this is a terrible loss for you, and for all of us that had Billy in our lifes if even for just a few years. Billy was my bestest friend at Sears.com for about 4 years and my mind has been flooded with all the great things he said and did. He was one in a million, he taught me so much just by being my friend, and I feel like the tin man that knew he had a heart because I feel it breaking.
I can never tell you how much Billy loved you, we would talk for hours and you were his sunshine. It was so cool to be around someone that loved as much as he did. Little things, long talks, laughter, learning,listening to his stories, he was such a great listener there is such a eddy in my mind. Heck I even think about that silly kitty cat lunch bag he had. He is the brightest star in the heaven, and I thank God that I knew him. How do you say Goodbye to someone as wonderful as Billy? Well I don't think I ever will, he will always be in my heart as one of the greatest persons that ever lived.
Mary
Dayna
06/01/2011
Billy was a good friend, carrying mentor, great man, and awesome boss. I miss him.
Sharon Steele
05/31/2011
My deepest and most heartfelt sympathies to Erin and family. Billy was a very special person in my life. I will miss him dearly. He called himself my "Vanilla Brother" and we thoroughly enjoyed our many long, deep conversations. Billy suffered for such a long time. I pray that he has finally found peace. There will never be another like my Vanilla Brother. Rest in peace, my friend.
Love you,
Sharon
Whitney Poston Bogdanski
05/31/2011
Erin,
I am so sorry to hear of your loss. I will keep you and your family in my prayers.
Love,
Whitney
Karen White
05/31/2011
Erin,
I am very sorry for your loss. Billy was a wonderful man who impacted many people that he worked with over the years. While we never once met face-to-face, we worked on many projects together and formed a great working relationship and a deep friendship. Whenever we talked about families, it was very clear that you meant the world to him and he was so proud of you and your accomplishments. I was very lucky to have Billy as my friend and I will miss him very much.
Brian Murrah
05/31/2011
Erin - my prayers will be with you and my most sincere condolences to you and your family.
Billy was an amazing man and a good friend to me and my family. He is often talked about and his application legacy still lives on. He was always willing to help regardless of the personal sacrifice it took and he made the world a better place. I will miss him.
If you need anything, please let me know. I wish I could have got to know you more. I always told him that he needed to have a child so a physical piece of him would remain with you. He would always chuckle and say "no way" like it would be too hard on everyone and that the world could not handle two "Billies." I always said that if I had 10 people like Billy, I could conquer the world. I have tons of respect for him and have always admired him. I have had only 5 real friends and now it is down to 4 with him gone.
Take Care,
Brian
Brian Murrah
05/31/2011
Erin,
You should try to publish the books Billy worked on. His vocabulary and writing skills were great. His writings could live forever. If you need to reach me, my email is bmurrah@hotmail.com
Joe Finley
05/31/2011
Erin and family, Im very sorry for your loss. I and many others consider ourselves very lucky to have had the opportunity to know and work with Billy. Billy made friends easily and was well respected by many. Billys impressive work was well known as was his strong work ethic and solid integrity, and skilled artistry. We could always count on being schooled and entertained with extensive vocabulary and quick wit. Having worked with Billy for several years, I and many others can easily say that he was a good man who always kept his word and delivered superior results.
I am very fortunate that our paths crossed at Sears. More than being an asset to Sears, Billy was a great mentor and also my friend. It is not often that you find people that are as honest, sincere, generous and as kind as Billy was. Billy was very supportive of everybody and was willing to do whatever he could to help others succeed. I will miss and never forget Billy.
Ming Ransdell
05/31/2011
Erin - please let me know if there is anything we can do for you - we know how much Billy cared and worried about you.
Ming
Phil Oberts
05/31/2011
Erin,
I am deeply saddened to hear of Billy's passing. Billy was very respected at Sears. His contributions will be utilized for years to come. But more than that, I considered Billy my friend. He and I had many deeply personal conversations over the years. Through those conversations I learned that Billy was a very giving and caring person. My heart goes out to you and your family and you are in my thoughts and prayers.
Sincerely,
Phil Oberts
Susan Posekany
05/31/2011
Erin,
My deepest sympathy. I am so sorry for your loss. Billy was a mentor and friend to me at work. He always treated others fairly and with respect. I hope you will find comfort in knowing others care and are near in thought today.
Donyetta Drumgoole
05/30/2011
I just want to say that my prayers go out to the family. I worked with Billy for several years at Sears. He was always willing to go the extra mile and help you with anything that he could. He was a kind person and I have greatly missed working with him over these past few years.
Mary Jane Woodman-Brazle
05/29/2011
Dear Erin,
I am so sorry for your loss. I know Billy was a wonderful person and he was committed to you and your personal goals. Be thankful for the time you had together and the love you shared, and know that love and your memories will never fade away. Find comfort in those things.