William "Bill" Peay

William Peay Obituary

William (Bill) Peay – A man who made his own path – fearlessly, passionately, and always with a spirit of adventure. William was born on March 23, 1935, to Albert and Hattie Peay in the of Portchester, New York. Bill was the first of three children; his early years spent beneath the sprawling skies of Rye, New York.

A gifted athlete, he shone bright at Rye High School, illuminating the fields with his prowess in football and basketball. His talents led him to The University of Denver on a football scholarship, but he gracefully pivoted to basketball, joining his younger brother, James (Jim) Peay, on the court. In 1958, he proudly received his Bachelor of Arts, driven by an unyielding passion for education, which he nurtured further with a Master of Arts degree from the University of Northern Colorado in 1975.

As a dedicated physical education teacher and beloved coach at George Washington High School, Bill did more than teach; he inspired. Pushing boundaries and defying convention, he instilled in his athletes and students a spirit of relentless pursuit, encouraging them to embrace life fully. He lived by those principles, introducing his children and those around him to golf, skiing, gymnastics, or the thrilling rush of white-water rafting. Known affectionately as “Coach,” he left an indelible mark on the hearts of those he guided.

When not molding young minds or leading teams to victory, Bill reveled in the joy of collecting and refurbishing motorcycles and cars. Over the years, his keen eye for beauty led him to own an array of splendid vehicles, including Rolls-Royces, classic Cadillacs, and Corvettes. A renaissance man at heart, he ventured into winemaking, proudly establishing “Just Crewzn’ Winery,” where each bottle bore a personalized label adorned with a truth from scripture—reflecting his deep faith as he celebrated life one vintage at a time. His intellect never wavered; he kept his mind sharp with current events and the delightful challenge of Sudoku, even nurturing a club at his local YMCA, garnering the prestigious title of Volunteer of the Year.

Yet, above all, Bill embodied strength and protection for his family. His love as an older brother to Jim Peay and sister Margaret Simon was unwavering. As a father, he cherished Carla, Karen, Kory, and William Perrin Peay, and as a grandfather, he found boundless joy in the company of his grandchildren—Kylin McCaston, Keith McCaston, Christopher Ratliffe, and Carter Ratliffe. His love reached into future generations, as he embraced his role as great-grandfather to Kason, Kynli, and Kya McCaston, whose lives will forever reflect his lessons and warmth.

On October 15, 2024, in the serene embrace of Denver, Colorado, Bill’s vibrant spirit transitioned to the next chapter of existence, reuniting with his beloved wife, Michael Welch, his parents, Albert and Hattie Peay, as well as cherished nephews Ronald K. Coleman Jr. and Eric Peay.

Bill Peay will forever be remembered—a devoted father, an inspiring teacher, a passionate coach, doting grandfather, and a true renaissance man whose legacy of love and exploration will continue to resonate in the hearts of all who had the privilege of knowing him.

ing him.