William “Bill” B. Gist, devoted husband, father and educator, passed away on July 22, in Missouri Veterans Home, in Mt. Vernon. Bill, a native Springfieldian and north-side leader, was born on December 3, 1924, to William E. Gist and C. Ruth Williams. After graduating from Springfield High School in 1942, Bill attained the rank of sergeant while fighting as an army ranger in Europe. On his discharge from the army in 1946, he continued his education, receiving a BS degree in education from Southwest Missouri State College (MSU) and, later, a master’s degree from the University of Missouri. He did post-graduate work at the University of Virginia. Known for his leadership and independence, Bill served as Hillcrest’s second principal, where he was affectionately referred to as the “Superintendent of Springfield R-13” by his peers. Bill’s 35 year career in education began in 1949 as a science teacher at Study. He was also a counselor at Parkview, dean of boys at Central and assistant principal at Hillcrest before becoming principal of Hillcrest in 1966. He retired in 1985. His support for teachers and programs was recognized in 1985, when he was awarded the “Administrator of the Year Award” by the Missouri Interscholastic Press Association. A lifelong member of Pathways United Methodist Church (formerly Dale Street United Methodist), Bill filled a variety of leadership roles for the local congregation and served on several district committees of the United Methodist Church. He was also active in Boy Scouts, earning an adult leadership award. Bill is survived by his faithful wife of 61 years, Wilma Jean Love Gist; and three children, six grandchildren and five great-grandchildren. The children are Tom Gist and wife, Mona, Robert Gist and wife, Lori, both of Springfield, and Becky Pollard and husband, Dennis of Kimberling City. The grandchildren are Keesha and Travis DeLong of Springfield, Kelli and Aaron Williams of Ava, Megan Gist of Springfield, Emily Patterson, Devin Pollard and Danielle Pollard of Kimberling City. Great-grandchildren are Malachi, Oliver and Karissa Williams of Ava, and twins Kasen and McKinley DeLong of Springfield. Additionally he is survived by his sister-in-law, Etha Gist; and nieces, Connie Deck and Teri Barnicle. He was preceded in death by his father; mother; and brother Jack Gist. Arrangements are by Greenlawn Funeral Home North. Visitation will be Sunday, from 3 to 5 p.m. A memorial service will be held Monday, at 10 a.m., in Greenlawn Funeral Home North. In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to the Springfield Public School Foundation at 940 N. Jefferson for the William B. and Jean Gist Scholarship Fund, or the Memorial Fund at Pathways United Methodist Church. Online condolences may be left at www.greenlawnfuneralhome.com.