Bill Bechtel #47 VW Mini Stock Driver at Norwood Arena Speedway.
William Oliver Bechtel, of Norton and formally of Dorchester, Natick and Mansfield, born on June 3, 1929, in Philadelphia, Pa., to the late Elizabeth Oliver Bechtel and the late Joseph W. Bechtel, passed away at age 89 on July 30, 2018 at his home surrounded by his family and his cat Boots.
Bill attended Bristol County Agricultural High School then developed a keen interest in cars and how they worked. He worked in the automotive industry most of his life while attaining specialized auto machinist training.
Bill served in the Army during the Korean War and he continued to work in automotive related positions until he became a master engine builder at his own business, B&C Automotive Machine where he worked until retirement.
He was the dearest husband of Catherine L. Townley Bechtel for 34 years and the former husband of the late Nancy Ann Brock Bechtel.
He was preceded in death by his daughter, Carrie Ann Bechtel; son, Bruce White; brother, Raymond Oliver. William is survived by his sons, Stephen Raymond Bechtel of Ohio; Gilbert L. Bechtel of Arizona; daughters, Joannne Bechtel Skinner and Debra White Pixley of Florida, Catherine F. Bechtel, Elizabeth J. Bechtel of Norton, grandchildren, Eric Boudreau, Jaimi Boudreau, Alaina Pixley Hixson, Nathan Pixley, Haley Ann Bechtel, Alec Lewis Bechtel, Evan William Bechtel, Jillian Skinner Flores-Cordon, Patrick Skinner; and great-grandchildren, Olivia Hixson, Dominic Boudreau, Jahziel Rosi Bechtel, Maverick Carter Wyman and Ellie Grace Flores-Cordon (who will be arriving any day)
He had a passion for racing and drove the # 47 Volkswagen at Norwood Arena and Seekonk Speedway. Bill also leaves lifelong friends, Bill Tibbert and Terry LaLecheur, they both shared his love of racing. Bill will be remembered as a kind, loving man with a big heart. He will be missed by all who loved him.
