William "Bill" Lee Stachler

William “Bill” Lee Stachler, age 84, peacefully passed away at the Ohio Veteran's Home in Georgetown, Ohio on Thursday, January 9, 2025, with his devoted wife of 56 years by his side.

 He was born to Lee and Evelyn (Hoagland) Stachler on October 16, 1940.

After high school, Bill worked at the Chattanooga Glass Company and Wooster Products but he quickly realized that he didn’t like being told what to do or how to do it. So, he ventured out on his own and started driving a semi-truck for his father. He eventually paused his trucking career to join the United States Army, where he served as a unit supply specialist while stationed in Colorado Springs, Colorado. After five years of serving his country, Bill returned to his hometown of Danville, Ohio, where he reignited his entrepreneurial spirit and opened the Hangout, a popular bar and restaurant that remains a staple in Danville today.

Bill had a talent for diving into business ventures and quickly shifting focus when he was interested in new opportunities. He went on to establish Danville Pipe and Supply and Ohio Investment Leasing allowing him to drill and lease oil wells in Knox and Licking counties and, as far away as, Kentucky.

While he was wheeling and dealing, Bill also purchased a condominium in Wildwood, Florida, close to his mother, Evelyn, who lived in Tavares. The condo allowed his family to enjoy Florida during the cold Ohio winters. During their time in Florida, Bill became an intern at a local BBQ restaurant, where he learned the art of smoking meats. He eventually convinced the owner to buy the restaurant’s BBQ sauce and baked bean recipes that are still used to this day.

 The family moved back to Ohio and settled in Mt. Vernon. Bill wasn’t one to let the grass grow under his feet so he purchased a dance hall with a bar on Columbus Road that he named the Country Palace. Bill and Bev enjoyed dancing there until Bill added a kitchen and transformed the venue into Bill’s Western BBQ, marking the beginning of his legacy in the BBQ business. He went on to open several BBQ restaurants across Knox and Licking counties, serving his famous BBQ to loyal customers. His final restaurant, Bill’s Real Pit Bar-B-Q in Zanesville, was taken over by his son, Russ, who continues to serve the iconic BBQ to this day.

 Bill spent his free time playing cards and traveling. He took numerous trips with friends and family to Las Vegas, Reno, and Atlantic City to enjoy the thrill of the casinos. Bill also ventured to places like Florida, Aruba, and other destinations across the USA always eager to take his family on their next “BIG” adventure which inspired a sense of adventure in his children. A gifted storyteller, he could captivate any audience with tales of his grand adventures.

 Bill was a loving husband and endearing father. His love for his family was evident in everything he did and he will continue to be remembered for his unconditional love and unswerving support. He is survived by his wife and married his lifelong dance partner, Beverly (Ridgeway), on March 2, 1968. He is survived by his four children: Kelly (Chuck), Vikki (Neil), Valeria (Marc) and Russell (Jenny); 9 grandchildren: Marcus, Olivia (Adam), Chloe (Elijah) Lauren (Walter), Nathan (Andie), Lily, Nevada who preceded him in death, Trinity and Leea; and 5 great grandchildren: Adonis, Brooklyn, Daisy, Molly and Kylah. He also leaves behind his brother, Jim. He was preceded in death by his parents and sister, Suellen.

 A Celebration of Life will be held on February 22, 2025, from 1:00 PM – 4:00 PM at the Apple Valley Lake Clubhouse, 3725 Apple Valley Drive, Howard, OH 43028. Kindly RSVP on the Everloved.com website so we can plan accordingly. Those who knew Bill are welcome to join us, to share stories, celebrate the remarkable life of this extraordinary man while enjoying one of his favorite pastimes—sharing a meal of Bill’s Real Pit Bar-B-Q and a scoop of ice cream with family and friends.

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