William J. “Mr. Bill” Exley, Sr., 68, of Kennerdell, Rockland Township, died at 7:36 a.m. on Tuesday, December 16, 2014 at his residence.

Born September 29, 1946 in Oil City, he was the son of the late Clair O. and Katherine (Welsby) Exley.

He was a 1964 graduate of Cranberry High School and in 1965 he completed a training course in Caterpillar heavy equipment operation in Scranton.

Mr. Exley was a member of the Rocky Grove United Methodist Church.

Mr. Bill enjoyed leather crafts, canoeing, and working on vehicles. He was an avid reader.

He owned and operated his own business, W.J. Exley Repair in Rockland, and he traveled throughout the United States and Canada specializing in heavy equipment and drilling machinery maintenance.

He was married in Rockville, Maryland on May 27, 1965 to the former Linda J. Busch, who survives.

Also surviving are three children: Elizabeth Marie Gahring of Virginia, William J. Exley, Jr. of Rockland, and Shawn C. Exley and his wife Melissa of Wesley; five grandchildren, Kayla, Kelsey, and Kylie Gahring, William J. Exley, III, and Liam Mathew Exley; and four great-grandchildren, Everly, Willow, Jaden, and Kanner. His brother survives, Greg Exley and his wife Claire of Cooroy, Queensland, Australia, as well as numerous nieces and nephews.

In addition to his parents, he was preceded in death by two brothers, Mark Exley and Clair Exley, Jr., and a sister, Kathleen Morrison.

There will be no visitation. A private memorial service for the family will be held at a later date.

Funeral arrangements are being completed by the Hile-Best Funeral Home, Inc. in Seneca, Cranberry Township.

Memorial contributions to assist the family with funeral expenses may be made to the Hile-Best Funeral Home, P.O. Box 245, Seneca, PA 16346.

Condolences may be submitted to the family online by visiting www.hilebest.com.