William H. Rahill

William (Bill) Rahill entered the gates of heaven on Wednesday, November 6, 2019. He was born in New York City, NY, to Hugh and Christine Murphy Rahill.  Bill lived in NY during his childhood, where he received his education in private Catholic schools. 

Bill joined the Navy after high school and entered the workforce with General Motors on his return home from the Navy.  It was shortly thereafter he found the love of his life; Cathy Heavy, and they were married September 8, 1962.  Bill and Cathy and their 4 children, Alex, Chris, Linda and Austin, moved to Livonia, MI in 1975.  It was during this time Bill decided to become a Deacon and follow God’s calling on his life to serve in the Catholic Church. 

Bill attended University of Detroit Mercy where he received his Bachelor of Science and his Master of Divinity.  He was ordained as a Deacon in September 1987.  Bill served faithfully at St. Edith’s in Livonia, MI, while also working at General Motors in international operations.  In 1987, Bill’s job at General Motors transferred him to Carmel, IN where he continued to live and serve through the remainder of his life. 

Bill retired from GM in 1993 and continued a new career as an insurance agent with MET life and later a broker with Mass Mutual Insurance.  He received many honors and achievements from each of his careers, always excelling in everything he put his hand to.  He had a strong work ethic and always put forth more than 100% with everything he did.  Upon relocation to IN, Bill was the first Deacon in the Lafayette Diocese and at Our Lady of Mount Carmel in Carmel, IN.  He has served faithfully for 33 years both in Diaconate ministry and in the healing prayer ministry.  Many lives have been healed and touched for the Glory of God because of Bill’s humble and gentle, serving life.  He always gave God Glory and spoke of God’s love freely to everyone he encountered.

Bill was a member of the Knights of Columbus and Toastmasters where he received the highest level of achievement of Advanced Communicator Gold.

Bill was our “miracle man!”  His prayers accomplished miracles in many lives, but he was also a miracle himself.  He overcame many health difficulties through the past 22 years, often to the amazement of his doctors!  He outlived his heart transplant by almost 5 years beyond expectation.  Bill would always say “God told me that he is not done with me yet!”  With that knowledge, he would work hard on recovery, often accomplishing his health goals far beyond expectation.  He celebrated his 81st birthday on October 5, 2019.

Bill was on a mission to bless people with the love of Jesus and the power of his Holy Spirit.  He loved serving in the Spanish Mass as Our Lady of Mount Carmel, over and above his regular responsibilities.  He loved people well, from the closest friends to the stranger at the store or restaurant.  He was always compassionate to those in need and made friends wherever he would go.  Bill was a savvy businessman balanced with a generous heart.  He loved business and used his business skills as a tool to bless others.  If you have met Bill, you likely have received a prayer of healing or blessing from him.

In addition to his parents, Bill was preceded in death by his wife Cathy Rahill on August 28, 2017.

Bill is survived by his children; Alex (Marcie), Chris (Debbie), Linda (Dave) and Austin (Melisa); he was a loving grandpa to Alex (Amber), Dillon (Jenna), Lucas, Kaylee, Alexandria, Jordan (Tammie), Ethan, Austin, Emily, Jesse,  Annalysse, Xavier, Elijah, Benedict; and great-grandpa to Lily, Skyler, Emma and Olivia.

The entire family will miss the grandpa sized bear hugs with the loud exclamation of “Praise Jesus!”  Our family commits to praising Jesus and carrying on his legacy of faith and love.

Family and friends will gather on Sunday, November 10, 2019 from 2-5 pm in Our Lady of Mount Carmel Catholic Church with the Evening Prayer from the Office for the Dead beginning at 4 pm. A time of visitation will also take place Monday, November 11 at 10 am followed by the Mass of Christian Burial at 11 am in the church.

A Committal Service will follow in Our Lady of Peace cemetery.

In lieu of flowers, the family requests contributions in memory of Bill, be given to the Merciful Help Center, 1045 W 146th St, Carmel, IN 46032.   Envelopes will be available at the service.   https://mercifulhelpcenter.org

Bussell Family Funerals is privileged to assist the family in arrangements.  

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