Billy Joe Mechell, 78, of Chehalis, Washington, passed away on Monday, Aug. 30, 2021. Bill was born on May 18, 1943, to Yelupa and Mary Mechell in Nacogdoches, Texas.
After school he went on to join the Navy. He served in the Navy between 1960 and 1964. In 1961, he met Joan Alice Stromberg in San Francisco, California, and they wed in Reno, Nevada, in 1962. They went on to have three daughters and one son: Tanya, Tamie, Barbara and Randy. After the Navy, Bill joined the Army, and was stationed at the Nike Site in Pacifico, California. In 1968, the family moved to Chehalis, Washington, and he worked at Weyerhaeuser for 27 years then Pacific Fiber in Longview for 13 years. Bill and Joan have been happily married for 59 and a half years. He enjoyed visits from his family and friends. His kindness will always be remembered. Bill was passionate about his health and fitness. His favorite place to be was at home surrounded by his many pets. Anyone who knew Bill knew that he was the most loving father and husband a family could ask for. Bill is preceded in death by his parents and daughter Tamie. He is survived by his wife Joan; three children Tanya (Rob) Naillon, Barbara Foley, and Randy (Theresa) Mechell; 10 grandchildren Tim, Kara, Cody, Hailey, Taylor, Courtney, Levi, Cooper, Lila and Kristen; and eight great-grandchildren Dillon, Lexi, Danny, Walker, Robbi, Colter, Buck, and Avery, and one due in March 2022; as well as two sisters Rose (Ed) Dill, Linda (Jim) Mechell; one sister-in-law Sue McWilliams; and many nieces and nephews. The Mechell family would like to thank Dr. Osborn and staff and the Hospice Home team for their excellent care.
The family requests that all flowers and notes are sent to Cattermole Funeral Home in Winlock, Washington. There will be a viewing at Cattermole from 10 a.m. to 12:30 p.m. and a graveside memorial at 2 p.m. at Claquato Cemetery on Sept. 9, 2021, followed by a family gathering at the V.R. Lee Building, SW William Ave., Chehalis, Washington, 98532.
