I'll never forget Bill helping me out during football practice. I was a small struggling player with no particular talent, and it was common for me to be on "hamburger squad", and to be knocked down on most every play. One day when coach Zeno was practicing offensive running plays, in my direction, I was being crushed repeatedly, was tired, dejected and defeated.  Bill was playing outside linebacker on my side and noticed I was getting beat up pretty bad. He said, "Lewis, just let those guys come through, I'll get them."   That may seem like a small thing, a small favor, but it was huge to me.  Bill was a talented player, with speed, strength, smarts, and excellent tackling ability.   I looked up to him and wished I could play like him.  For him to step up to help a nobody like me changed everything.  It gave me renewed energy and gave me the strength to get through it.  I'm trying to say Bill was kind to me, he helped me, and showed me qualities of character that I aspired to have.  Unlike many of my class mates I didn't grow up with Bill, or attend elementary school with him, or hang out with him, but I came to value his friendship very much.  I wish I would have told him how I felt before it became too late.  Rest in peace Bill.  You certainly made the world a better place.  

I too was stunned at the news of losing Bill Barringer from this earth. What a good soul! Friends since kindergarten and all my memories of Bill focus on his caring, giving ways. From playing in my backyard with Billy and his cousin Frankie, to being AFS Exchange students together, to more recent long conversations where we discussed how to help high school students develop better literacy skills, Bill will always hold a cherished place in my heart. You never forget someone who is kind to you. Blessings to all those classmates adding your tributes, your words are filled with the love, admiration, and respect Bill so deserves. Now it is our charge to go out and in the spirit of "Billy  B"  help others.

With my heart breaking into pieces I mourn the loss of Bill. Because as a classmate and more so as a Senior classmate the two of us became even better friends. Classes together helping each other out on our assignments. Pat Gladden, Bill Mathwin Phil George as well. Bill was a sweetheart with a heart of gold.

Vicki, what you said was beautiful.... the memories are forever!!...thank you for that!

Lisa Osuna