William E. Elijah, age 81 of Clarence, passed away unexpectedly on Friday May 13, 2022. Memorial services will be held at Zion United Church of Christ in Lowden on Friday May 20 at 10:30 AM with Pastor Susan Schneider-Adams officiating. Visitation will also be at Zion on Thursday May 19 from 4-7 PM. Burial with military rites will be in Van Horn Cemetery in rural Lowden. Bill was born August 18, 1940 in Clarence to Robert and Thelma Harness Elijah. He married Sharon Fehling on June 1, 1963 at Zion UCC in Lowden. Survivors include his wife Sharon; son Larry (Ellen) of Clarence; daughter Sue (Todd Wynkoop) of Clarence; grandchildren Caleb Davisson of Camden, NY, Caitlin (Connor) Schwienebart of Ankeny, and Ben (Raini) Chapman of Clarence; great granddaughters Addy Davisson and Calli Chapman; and brother Jerry (Betty) of Tipton. He was preceded in death by his parents and his brother Jim. Bill served his country in the Navy, including Okinawa and Vietnam, and was a MCB5 Seabees. He was a lifelong farmer that enjoyed cards, dirt track racing, and was a member of the American Legion Post 366 since 1966. He served many years on the FSA committee, was still a teenager in his heart and mind, and he knew somebody wherever he went. Bill was a loving husband, father, and grandfather. In lieu of flowers, memorials may be directed to the family.