James William "Bill" Rylands II, 93, of Novi, Michigan, peacefully passed away in his home on March 30, 2024. Bill was born on February 19, 1931 in Detroit, Michigan. He was the son of the late James and Mayme Rylands. Bill was the beloved husband to Ellen Baxter Rylands whom he wed on August 7, 1982, in Bloomfield Hills, Michigan. Bill was the father of two sons with his late first wife, Erika Lanigan, James William Rylands III (wife Cathleen) and Karl Robert Rylands (wife Kristin) and the grandfather of five grandchildren, Annie Madison McFarlane (Kenton), Lydia McKenna Bowers (Dylan), James William Rylands IV (Abigail), Patricia Mabry Whittington (Tate) and Faith MacLayne Rylands and a great grandfather to Everett Cole Bowers.

Bill graduated from Highland Park High School in 1950. After high school, Bill worked for his father who was involved in several businesses in the Southfield, Michigan area. Bill was very proud to have served in the National Guard in the 182nd Field Artillery Battalion. Bill joined General Motors in 1957 as a Millwright in Pontiac, Michigan. He loved his work and friends on the line and retired in 1996 from GM after his employment of 39 years.

Following both Bill and Ellen's retirement, they moved in 1996 to Hendersonville, North Carolina and resided there until 2017. Bill and his bride decided to move back to Michigan to be closer to family.


During Bill's time in Hendersonville, he spent many hours giving back to others in need. He primarily worked with Habitat for Humanity as well as the medical refurbishment facility at the St James Episcopal Church. Bill will always be remembered for his kind heart, staying active, service to the elderly as "Mr. Fix It", and his passion for "hunting", aka metal detecting. He was always ready to help in moments of need and will be greatly missed by all who had the pleasure of knowing him.

In lieu of flowers, please consider a donation to Habitat for Humanity.