William Wayne Soper

William peacefully went home to be with his Lord after a short battle with cancer on Monday, March 23, 2026 at the University of Michigan Rogel Cancer Center in Ann Arbor, Michigan at the age of 78. He was born on September 14, 1947 to the late Leonard and Fern (Ludlum) Soper in Saginaw, Michigan. He had such a strong Christian faith and attended Faith Lutheran Church in Bay City. He was a proud Vietnam veteran of the United States Army, serving his country while stationed in Germany. For many years, William worked for Bay County Wastewater Treatment before continuing his career as a chemist. In retirement, he continued to apply his chemist background as a business consultant.

William was an avid reader and loved being outside and doing yardwork, most times you could find him outside tending to his yard. The most important thing to him was his family, especially his five grandchildren.

William is survived by his loving wife of 48 years, Lynda (Haske) Soper, whom he married on July 23, 1977. He is also survived by his daughter, Melynda (William) Schaefer; son-in-law, Daryl Stallworth; daughter, Angela Young; grandchildren, Sharlene Stallworth, Arianna Stallworth, Aaryn Stallworth, William Schaefer III and Declan Schaefer; sister, Kathleen Moon; brother, Steven (Ann) Soper and nephews, David Hatch, Joshua Soper, Benjamin Soper and Nathaniel Soper.

The family would like to extend a very special thank you to the staff and nursing team at the University of Michigan Rogel Cancer Center for the phenomenal and special care they gave them over the last 30 days.

In honoring the wishes of William, cremation has taken place and no services are being planned at this time. Education was very important to him and the family asks that memorial contributions be made in William’s name to Faith Lutheran School Bay City.