William Michael “Bill” Kelley, age 89, of Batesville, Indiana, passed peacefully on Sunday, October 27, 2024, at Hospice of Christ Hospital in Cincinnati. Born June 24, 1935, in Batesville, Indiana, he is the son of William J. and Mary (Hillenbrand) Kelley and proud grandson to John and Clara Hillenbrand of Batesville. Bill married Leila “Kim” Bollinger on September 13, 1958, in York, Pennsylvania and have created memories together for the past 66 years. Bill attended Hanover College in Hanover, Indiana and George Washington University in Washington, D.C.
Bill Kelley served his country in the United States Army from 1956 to 1958. He was stationed in the Honor Guard located at Ft. Meyer / Arlington National Cemetery in Washington D.C. where he was a part of the honor guard for military veterans being laid to rest. While in the service he met the love of his life, Leila “Kim” Bollinger. Shortly after his honorable discharge, they became married, and Bill worked as a Capital Policeman. Their son, William J. “BJ” Kelley II, was born in Washington D.C. and that prompted the family to return home to Batesville, Indiana, to start a family. In Batesville, they added two daughters to the household, Karen M. Kelley Liederbach and Betsy A. Kelley Garnica.
Bill began his career at Hill-Rom Company; a manufacturer of hospital beds and equipment. He started as a clerk in the sales department in 1960 and moved through the sales ranks to various positions including Regional Sales Director, Vice President of Sales & Marketing, Sr. Vice President of Sales & Operations until 1992 when he became President & CEO. He served at that capacity for three years before becoming Chairman in 1995. Bill served on numerous boards as a Past Board Member (Stereotaxis, Inc., Indiana Health Industry Forum, MMI Companies, Inc., Indiana Housing Authority, Health Industry Manufacturers Assoc., National Committee for Quality Health Care, Health Management Education Assoc.), Honorary Member (Health Issues Study Society), Honoree (1996 Irish America 100, 1996 Our Lady of Mercy Healthcare System – New York), Fellow (Health Insights), Advisory Board Member (Battelle), Honorary Fellowship (American College of Health Care Executives), Corporate Member (Health Insights, Healthcare, Research, & Development Institute (H.R.D.I.)). Bill was also a founder and principal of ATHS (Advisors to Healthcare Suppliers), which serves the interests of companies seeking to improve their access to decision-makers, and their ultimate success in achieving their marketing and sales objectives.
Bill was the proud and loving husband of Leila “Kim” Kelley, three children, seven grandchildren, and six great-grandchildren. He enjoyed his small farm where he raised horses, chickens, cattle and dogs. Bill loved fishing, hunting, and playing golf.
“I don’t want to leave this world, but I feel my next journey will be an exciting one. I will be at the silver gates, with my previously deceased family members, waiting for the arrival of my loved ones.” – William “Bill” Kelley
He is survived by his wife Kim of Batesville, IN; son William “BJ” Kelley II of Batesville, IN; daughters Karen (Kevin) Kelley Liederbach of Grosse Pointe, MI and Betsy (Jeff) Kelley Garnica of Batesville, IN; brother Robert “Bob” Kelley of Ft. Myers, FL; grandchildren Connor (Claire) Kelley, Emily (Ryan) Bauer, Blaise (Elizabeth) Liederbach, Andrew Liederbach, Kelley Liederbach, William Kelley Story, and Grant Earl Story; great-grandchildren Lena, Otto, Wilder, Blaise Thomas, Sonny William, and Lila Kelley; and several nieces and nephews.
In addition to his parents, he was predeceased by his sisters Mary Kelley and Pat Randle; and daughter-in-law Dr. Lisa Kelley.
Visitation is Friday, November 8th, from 4:00 p.m. – 7:00 p.m., at Weigel Funeral Home. A Mass of Christian Burial will be Saturday, November 9th at 10:00 a.m., at St. Louis Catholic Church in Batesville, with Fr. Suresh Ganta officiating. The burial will follow at St. Louis Cemetery, with military rites being conducted by the Ripley County Veterans of Foreign Wars Post #3183 and by the Prell-Bland American Legion Post #271 of Batesville. In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made out to Phi Beta Psi Cancer Research – Xi Chapter or St. Jude’s Children’s Hospital. For online condolences go to www.weigelfh.com.