William "Bill" C. Viands

William “Bill” Viands, 73, of Rockford passed away surrounded by his family on Monday, March 6, 2017. He was born on June 1, 1943 in Pleasant Plains, IL, the son of Robert and Nora (Schaddel) Viands. He graduated from Pleasant Plains High School. He proudly served in the United States Army during Vietnam, receiving a Purple Heart for his service. Bill was a member of St. Bernadette Catholic Church. He was the owner of Bill Viands’ Car Center for many years. He also served as a sublet contractor for the City of Rockford, and worked in real estate. He was the proud owner of Southfork Arabians, where he bred and raised Arabian horses. He was an avid gardener, loved his horses and German Shepherds, but most importantly, he loved his family. He was a visionary with a wealth of wisdom, animated story teller, no nonsense-straight shooter, and will be missed by all of those who knew him.
He is survived by his wife, Kaysandra; his children, Danielle Viands, Brittany (David Mordick) Viands, William C. Viands Jr., and Seneca (Erica) Cayson; 10 grandchildren; 3 great grandchildren; brother, Bob (Valerie) Viands; his sisters, Barbara (Kent) Milton, Beverly Viands, and Betty Viands; and numerous nieces, nephews, cousins, and special friends, Darrell Morris, John (Susie) Schiro, Tim (Sherry) Thompson, and Terrell Brown. Predeceased by his parents.
Thank you to the angels who assisted Bill from Mercy to Kindred to the Kingdom; Alex Graham, Jerome “BJ” (Lisa) Bachota, Erica Milton, Nikki (Bill) Stahr, Connor Hayes, Bobbie Shaw, Bobby Bachota, Bobbye (Cliff) Freeman, Dr. Vincent Racanelli, Dr. Bharati Roy and Jayne Gronau.
Funeral Service will be held on Saturday, March 11, 2017 at 11:00 a.m. at Fitzgerald Funeral Home, Riverside Chapel. A visitation will be held Friday, March 10, 2017 from 4:00-6:00 p.m. and continue Saturday at 10:00 a.m. until time of service. Burial Willwood Burial Park. In lieu of flowers, memorials to the family appreciated. Express online condolences at www.fitzgeraldfh.com