William M. Naymick's Obituary
William M. Naymick, age 77, went to be with our Lord on April 9, 2026.
He was born on May 9, 1948, to Vera and Mike Naymick of Traverse City. He attended West Point Military Academy after which he served in Germany as a tank commander and was also stationed at Fort Riley, Kansas (9 years in the Military).
Bill earned his pilot’s license and became a flight instructor; he then embarked on a career as a charter pilot for Executive Air and commercial pilot for Midstate Airlines. He married Janet Brevick in Muskegon and later became an FAA Safety Inspector at GRR Airport. Bill was a devoted member of First Lutheran Church and SHOP Group as well as a long time Muskegon Conservation Club member.
A three-sport high school athlete himself in football, basketball and track, Bill really enjoyed coaching Drew and Lisa’s youth baseball and softball teams. The family followed their MSU Basketball and Volleyball teams, as well as Drew’s pro basketball career. Bill enjoyed traveling throughout Europe, Mexico, Greece, and more watching his son play! Bill was well known as a ‘Gentle Giant,’ and he was a wonderful teacher, mentor and motivator - a character with a pun at the ready in every situation.
He took pride in serving the community by tutoring, teaching Sunday School, Jr. Church, and volunteering at the LST 393 Museum downtown. Bill was a very devoted husband, father, grandpa and really enjoyed boating and sailing on our beautiful lakes.
Bill will be lovingly remembered by: Janet Naymick, wife of 43 years, Drew Naymick, Lisa (Brian) VanDyken (children), Eva VanDyken (grandchild); brothers and sisters: John (Kathy) Naymick, Carol (Paul) Jira, Kate (Richard) Slezak, Rosamond Taylor, Beth (Jim) Shaini, Robyn (Greg) White, Thien Naymick (Stepmom)
A Celebration of Life will be held on Friday, April 17, 2026, at 11:00 AM at First Lutheran Church, 1206 Whitehall Rd. in North Muskegon. Visitation will also be held on Friday from 10:00 AM to 11:00 AM at the church. Memorial contributions can be made to First Lutheran Church or LST 393 Veterans Museum in Muskegon.
Shoreline Memorial Services Ph. 231-722-5050
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