William Robert Elms

William “Bill” Elms, 94, passed away on March 10, 2026.

Born on September 17, 1931, to Stephen and Hazel Elms, Bill was preceded in death by his wife of 63 years, Virginia “Ginny” Elms, and by his sister, Jennie Pastoriza. He is survived by his son, John Elms; his daughter, Elizabeth (James) Bascom; his granddaughters, Kathryne (Peter) Sinelnikova and Kristen Bascom; and his great-granddaughters, Sofia and Lia Sinelnikova.

A 1953 graduate of Purdue University on a Navy ROTC scholarship, Bill served three years on active duty in the United States Navy and continued in the Naval Reserve until retiring as a Lieutenant Commander in 1976. He earned a degree in Mechanical Engineering and a Master’s in Business Administration, then spent the majority of his professional career at B.F. Goodrich, where he held numerous engineering, management, and executive roles until his retirement in 1989.

In retirement, Bill and Ginny traveled widely and devoted themselves to supporting missionary work. A man of deep faith, he served faithfully as a deacon and usher at The Chapel in Akron for many years and later became a member of Grace Presbyterian Church in Hudson. An avid athlete, he loved golf and claimed multiple victories on the Rider Lake Champion trophy at Laurel Lake Retirement Community. He was also a dedicated jigsaw puzzler and a quietly formidable card player who taught his granddaughters the value of earning every win at Skip-Bo.

Bill lived with quiet integrity, disciplined work, devotion to family, and unwavering faith in his Lord.