William R. Foreman

God-fearing, full of wisdom, resilient, strong, courageous, committed family man, confidant - that was Mr. William Robert Foreman, Sr.

On January 11, 1933, William R. Foreman, Sr. was the third child born to Virginia and Samuel Reid.  On Sunday, June 10, 2018, faithfully and peacefully surrounded by his loving family, William departed this life to be with the Lord.

William, Bill or Pop Pop as he was affectionately known, was raised in Philadelphia, PA with his brother and two sisters.  He relocated to Pittsburgh, PA as a young man and was a long-term resident of Penn Hills, PA.   Bill served in both the United States Army and United States Air Force where he was Honorably discharged from both branches.  He met his wife Marlene Wright, while they were both stationed in Texas serving in the U.S. Air Force and they were inseparable for fifty-two years until Marlene's death in 2009.  His military service transferred their then small family to France where they continued to grow their family.  After a few years, they returned Sate side and their family grew even larger.  To this union they were blessed with: William, Sonya, Lee, Virginia, Renita and Darlene.  His daughter Sheila was raised in Philadelphia but was never far from his heart.  Distance could not separate the love they had for one another.  Anthony Grisby, David Morris, Milton Raiford and Joe Davis were his "bonus sons".  His children's friends held Pop Pop in the highest esteem.  He was not just his biological children's Dad, but everyone's---- connected not by blood lines but rather heart lines forever.  He was loved by many.  Bill and Marlene's house was always the preferred family gathering spot, and he loved cooking for the many family functions throughout the years.  Everyone was always welcomed at the Foremans.

Bill was employed for many years as a foreman with Municipality of Penn Hills, and he possessed a very strong work ethic which he instilled in his children.  He made sure they understood there were consequences to their actions, good or bad.

Bill's favorite past times included gardening, shopping, cooking and playing cards. He had a penchant for fashion and he was a very sharp dresser.   His wardrobe overflowed with clothes and he loved to add that special touch to his outfits by accessorizing them with his extensive shoe and hat collections.  Bill also enjoyed shopping and showering his loved ones with gifts.  He regularly attended the Vintage Senior Services Center of East Liberty and loved playing Spades and Bid Whist with his friends there.  He attended the Vintage's Senior Proms and one year was crowned "Prom King".  Boy was he clean!  While attending Vintage, Bill met a special friend, Marlene Carter, and they enjoyed spending time together shopping and socializing with each other's families and friends.

Bill knew where he wanted to spend eternity, so as a young man he accepted Christ as his personal Lord and Savior.  Until his death began to fail him, Bill remained a member of Destiny International Ministries under the tutelage of Pastor Michael Smith and he attended church regularly.  His faith was evident and drew people to Christ even beyond his death.  In fact, the ICU critical care hospital staff were greatly impacted by his presence and his ultimate passing.  They too were saddened.

Bill was preceded in death by his wife, Marlene Lorraine Wright Foreman of Pittsburgh, PA; his daughter Virginia Lynn Foreman of Pittsburgh, PA; his parents, Samuel and Virginia Reid of Philadelphia, PA; one brother and one sister.

He leaves to celebrate his triumphant entry into Heaven: his children, Sheila Marie Foreman of Philadelphia, PA, Anthony Charles Grisby (Shirley) of Houston, TX, William Edward Foreman, Sonya Renay Morris (David), Lee Kale Foreman (Linda Joyce), Renita Kai Davis (Joseph) and Darlene LaRue Raiford (Milton) all of Pittsburgh, PA; his sister, Loretta Rosa Jackson of Philadelphia, PA; 13 grandchildren, a host of great grandchildren as well as great-great grandchildren; many nieces and nephews; his dear friend Marlene Carter; and a host of other relatives and friends.

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