William "Wild Bill" Ince's Obituary
William “Wild Bill” Ince, 80, passed away on January 1, 2026. He was preceded in death by his parents, Anna and William Ince, and his sister, Mary Godleski. Bill is survived by his wife of 30 years, Carol Ince, and his sister, Carolyn (John) Dugan. He was a loving father to Michael (Heather) Ince, Kori (Damon) Gross, Nichole Ince, and Leslie (Jamie) Antzak, and his stepson, Kevin (Shawn) Lynch. He was a proud grandfather to Shelby, Miley, Lexi, Anna Sofia, Lucas, Audrey, Tanner, Dylan and Reagan.
Bill spent his early years in Dexter, New York before his family moved to East Syracuse, where their home remained in the family for over 60 years. It was a home filled with laughter, love, and cherished memories. Over the years, Bill spent time in Boynton Beach and the Syracuse/Watertown areas, where he created unforgettable moments with family and friends.
Bill had a style all his own. Flannel shirts were his signature look, often layered three deep in winter instead of a jacket. He never left home without his hankies, insisting they were better than tissues. If you were lucky enough to work at a restaurant or bar when Bill stopped in, you could count on a generous tip. His kindness extended to everyone he met. He looked forward to hunting seasons in Penn Yan, with his son, Michael. While his icy gray eyes gave him a look of steel, he was truly a softie at heart. One of his favorite movies was A League of Their Own, where he would always tear up at the end. Bill had a great sense of humor and loved surprising people with his “bag of tricks.” He was an amazing cook who enjoyed making everyone’s favorite dish for their birthdays. When Old Time Rock and Roll came on the radio, he was a dancing fool.
Though three of his daughters became teachers, teaching wasn’t his strong suit, as anyone who remembers his attempts to teach them how to play pool or cards can attest! His Arizona family and friends knew him as “Cactus Bill” after a memorable run-in with a jumping cactus while golfing. Bill loved his family deeply, always opening his home and being there whenever anyone needed him.
He was an enthusiastic hunter, golfer and fisherman. After retiring from the local Plumbers and Steamfitters Local 267 (81). He enjoyed time in Florida and New York before settling in North Carolina. He cherished trips to Dexter and Sackets Harbor to hunt, fish, play cards, and share laughs with his cousins. He loved heading into his favorite East Syracuse establishments to get on a board, often saying, “If you don’t bet, you can’t win.”
Above all, Bill was a devoted father, family man and friend whose love and generosity will never be forgotten.
A celebration of Bill’s life will be held later this spring. He will be deeply missed by all who knew and loved him.
Contributions in Bill’s memory may be made to Alzheimer’s Association, Central New York Chapter, 5015 Campuswood Dr. Suite 102, East Syracuse, NY 13057 or by clicking here
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