Billy Solomon Poston

Billy Solomon Poston, born in the hills of Russell County Virginia on May 2, 1941, passed away on February 13, 2026, at home with his devoted wife by his side.

Bill is survived by Roberta "Bobbie Jo" Poston, his wife of 55 years; his son Billy Wayne Poston; his brother Don (Dorothy) Poston; his loving granddaughter Dreama (Chance) Poston, his great grandchildren Benjamin and Rebecca; his brother in laws William Shawley, Jim (Jane) Shawley, Mike (Marianne) Shawley; his sister in laws Barbie (Burt) Smiddy, Trudy Smith, Susan DuPont, Angie (Carl) Laney; close family Natalie (Lawrence) White, Sophie Andrews, Jeff Centers, Rick Drew, Mike Morgan, Edgar McCloud, and Bill Holman plus countless nieces and nephews and all the people they made family along the way. He was preceded in death by his parents Solomon Poston and Carrie Sluss, sisters in law Carol Blakely, Patricia Shawley, and Rebecca Shawley plus a whopping 16 other siblings.

While Bill had lived a colorful life, he was fortunate enough to visit Jiggs one day in 1971 where he met Bobbie Jo, and they immediately began their beautiful life together. He spent 35 of those years working as a loyal machinist at Johns Manville here in Defiance while also being a master mechanic at home. Bill made sure to teach his wife how to ride a Harley and even take apart and build one. He retired from the factory long before he retired from his Harley.

Bill's huge spirit, loud storytelling, long teaching sessions and loving company will be greatly missed. All of us who had the honor of meeting him know a little more about cars and life and we will treasure those lessons forever.

Roberta is incredibly grateful to the amazing staff at Promedica ICU, including Dr. Arshad and Dr. Obri who have overseen Bill's care for over 20 years. She is also so appreciative to Elara Caring Hospice Care who helped bring her and Bill so much comfort when they needed it most.

Schaffer Funeral Home was honored to assist the family with the arrangements.

There will be a small burial service on Friday, February 20, 2026, at 1:00 PM at Riverside Cemetery followed by a lunch at the Eagles at 711 W. 2nd St in Defiance. Any and all friends and family are welcome to join us in sharing stories and celebrating his life like he would want us to.

"When you see the Southern Cross for the first time you understand now why you came this way; cause the truth you might be running from is so small, but it's as big as the promise of a coming day. So, I'm sailing for tomorrow, my dreams are a-dying, and my love is an anchor tied to you... tied with a silver chain."

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