William K. Updike

William “Wild Bill” Updike, 86, of Marcellus, passed away peacefully on April 12, 2020 at his home, surrounded by his loving children. He suffered a long battle with Chronic Kidney Disease. Born and raised in Port Byron, NY. He proudly joined the US Army in 1958. He often shared his favorite Army memory of being the personal taxi driver for actor Jimmy Stewart, driving up and down the air strips in Puerto Rico. Bill was a long-time resident of the Marcellus Community. He was an auto mechanic with Holiday Ford in Syracuse, before opening Updike Automotive. Bill enjoyed hunting and his trips to the casino. Also known as Wild Bill, the driver of The Lil’ Stinker 151 to the dirt track racing community, he had multiple feature wins to his credit at many local tracks. This earned him a nomination for the Dirt Hall of Fame. His racing career led to another family, the racing family. He built long lasting friendships with many families over the years. He is proud that his grandchildren continue with the racing tradition. As his disease progressed and he was no longer able to do the things he loved, sitting on his front porch became his passion. He loved to share stories about his grandchildren and of his 60 years in the same neighborhood. Bill is reunited with his wife Norma Jean and daughter Nancy. Also, with his parents, Tracy and Virginia, brother Norman and sister Agnes who had predeceased him. He is survived by his children, Kenneth (Deb), Doris Buschbascher (Donnie), Sharon Barker (John) and Jeanne Ferguson; grandchildren, Christopher, Jesse, Thomas, Stephanie, Andrew, Corey and Emily; great grandchildren, Skylar, Viviana, McKenna, Colton and Kennedy. Also survived by his sister Kathleen Quackenbush (Rod), brothers George Mason (Cathy) and Roger Mason and several nieces and nephews. He leaves behind his best friend, his dog Skip. Bill was able to remain at home throughout his illness and be cared for by his children. Contributions in Bill’s memory may be made to Hospice of CNY & The Fingerlakes at 990 Seventh North St., Liverpool NY 13088. Services and a Celebration of Life Event will be communicated at a later date.