William Henry Carlis was born June 9, 1943, to Roosevelt and Eunice Carlis. He was the youngest of four children born to this union. William was energetic, curious, confident, and determined. Affectionately known as Bigman, William accepted Christ at an early age. He attended Mayflower Elementary School where he met his best friend, Russell Brown in Kindergarten. He continued in Cleveland Public Schools until graduating from East Technical High School in 1962. Shortly after graduation, William enlisted in the Air Force where he was a Carpenter’s mate stationed in Michigan and Kentucky. He was honorably discharged on September 23, 1968.

Upon his return to Cleveland, William met Jackie Milan. They were married at St. Paul A.M.E Zion Church on August 1, 1970, by Rev N.J. Johnson. No children were born to this union. After nine years of marriage, the couple amicably agreed to part ways. They remained great friends until her passing in September of 2020.

William was a hardworking, no-nonsense man with a focused work ethic and completed whatever task he put his mind to. He worked several odd jobs including Pittsburgh Paint and AddressaGraph Multigraph before being employed by Lincoln Electric. At the urging of his brother Robert, William left Lincoln Electric to help support Carlis Corporation, the family business they started together. Because William learned from the challenges of his life, he often provided advice, guidance and direction to those he encountered daily. The neighborhood youth could often find employment at the carwash and learn life lessons while working with him. He was well renowned and respected in the St. Clair Shaw neighborhood. For 53 years, Bigman devoted his life to the success of St. Clair Shaw Car Wash.

In 1980, William and his brother Robert became members of the Excelsior Lodge 11, Prince Hall Free and Accepted Masons. They continued their journey together as a 32nd Degree Mason and Shriners of El Hasa Temple No. 28, Cleveland Ohio.

Bigman, had a kind heart, giving spirit and loved his family immensely. He was an amazing Uncle and always maintained a presence that could be respected and admired. Bigman was also an avid gambler and spent plenty of his free time at the casino playing slot machines and craps as well as betting on horse and dog races. In addition, he enjoyed traveling with his brother and their Boca Chica Brothers to various international locations such as Brazil and the Dominican Republic. Bigman enjoyed life and lived it to the fullest.

Preceding Bigman in death was his sister Catherine, Parents, Roosevelt and Eunice Carlis, his nephew Robert Carlis Jr., and his brother Robert Carlis Sr.

Bigman’s life will live forever in the hearts of his beloved sister Eurene Embry; Nieces, Yulunda Bailey, and Renee Slaughter (Torian); Nephews, Kevin Embry (Myra) and Edward Bailey; best friend/brother Russell Brown; God Parents, Jessie and Carrie Henderson; great nieces and nephew, Timoine, Janay, Torai, Torryn, Chelsea Carlis, and Edward III (Khamil); great-great niece and nephew, Kai and Edward IV, and a host of brothers, family and special friends.