William Rollins Jr.

William Rollins, Jr. passed away peacefully at home on March 17 in Downey, CA, of natural causes at the age of 91. Bill was born in Long Beach, CA on October 11, 1920 to Nola and William B. Rollins, a career navy man. Bill spent his childhood in Washington state, Hawaii and California. The family finally settled in Willowbrook and he attended Compton High School and Compton Junior College. Bill joined the Merchant Marines at the outbreak of World War II eventually becoming the First Mate aboard the SS Lurline. At the end of the war he re-acquainted himself with Ruth Shull and they were married on September 17, 1947. He graduated from UCLA in 1947 and began a career in education. While as a teacher, counselor and administrator at Compton High School, Bill developed many relationships with educators who remained life-long friends. In 1968 Bill left Compton High School for Huntington Beach Union High School as an administrator and in 1977, he became the principal at Westminster High School. Upon retiring, Bill developed a love of woodworking. His beautiful and thoughtful creations are gifts that we treasure. Bill and his brother-in-law, Bob Shull, were true 'brothers' in every sense of the word. Their friendship and devotion to each other was enviable. Bill and his wife, Ruth, who have lived in Downey since 1952, were members of the Downey Methodist Church, and had been married for 64 years. They have four children, Bill (Candace), Bob (Kelley), Gary (Valerie), and Jane Chandler (Dale), as well as many grandchildren and one great-granddaughter. His sister, Jean Tanner, and brother, Glenn, predecease him. All of us have special memories of 'Dad' and 'Grandpa' which will keep us smiling forever. ********** Published: March 22, 2012 - Volume 10 - Issue 49