For those who grew up in Massey Hill, the memories of a community icon named Bill Passick are etched in the heart of a baseball diamond. Today, a ball field bearing his name stands as a permanent tribute to his legacy and the countless lives he touched.

Bill Passick's story of service began long before he made his home in Fayetteville. After a proud military career, he left the service in 1954 and quickly found his new mission: community leadership. For 51 years, he was a fixture of the Massey Hill Lions Club, tirelessly dedicating his time to raising money for good causes.

He was known for his memorable salesmanship, always with a pocket full of tickets. "It was never, 'Would you like to purchase a ticket?'" Recalled Mike McCaskill. "It was always, 'How many tickets do you want?'"

While Passick's community involvement was wide-ranging—he was a life member of both the American Legion and VFW—it was on the baseball field where his impact was most profound. As a baseball coach and mentor, he served as a father figure to a generation of young men.

"Bill was such an integral part of raising so many young boys in the community," said Mike McCaskill, a long-time resident of Massey Hill. "Almost like a second dad for all of us."

Passick was a family man in every sense of the word. He was married to his wife, Joan, for 53 years, and together they raised four sons. Yet, his family extended far beyond his own home, encompassing the entire Massey Hill community he loved and served so well.

His contributions earned him the unofficial title, "Mayor of Massey Hill"—a testament to his tireless efforts and a life dedicated to doing for others.