Love, longtime York firefighter, ‘always answered the call’

Former York City Council member Bill Love, a volunteer fireman for more than five decades with the York Fire Department, died Monday. He was 84.

Love, who was retired from Duke Power Co., served as a volunteer fireman for 55 years and volunteered with the York Rescue Squad.

“He was a dedicated member in his day, and even until recently, he always came to our business meetings,” said York Fire Chief Domenic Manera. “It was always on his mind.”

Manera grew up next door to Love’s family.

“He was a very stern individual,” he said. “He told you what he expected, and he expected you to do it. When Bill was in the area, you knew you’d better be on your best behavior.”

Love served one term on the York City Council during the 1980s.

“He was a very passionate guy,” City Manager Charles Helms said. “He wanted to try to do things that would help the community.”

Linda Lowman, a former captain with the now-defunct York Rescue Squad, said work also was important to him.

“He did good work and everybody liked him,” she said.

Julian Dickerson of York, a former York mayor and council member, was a longtime friend and former business partner of Love.

“He was a tremendous man, as honest as the day was long and very helpful to everybody,” Dickerson said. “He raised gardens and gave people the fruits of his gardens. He was a good fellow.”

York Mayor Eddie Lee teaches a men’s Bible class that Love regularly attended at First Presbyterian Church in York.

“He was there every Sunday,” Lee said. “He was a solid citizen. He was dependable and he was frank, and he told you exactly what he thought.”

Sometimes, Lee said, the group talked about community issues.

“He would tell you what he thought about city issues,” Lee said. “I found that refreshing.”

Love’s name was always on a list of longtime York firefighters who were honored each year during the fire department’s banquet.

“This man always answered the call,” Lee said.

Love, whose funeral was held Thursday, was born April 13, 1930, to Bishop Ross and Margaret Adelaide Love. He is survived by his wife of 61 years, Betty Norman Love; daughter, Jan (Drew) Jones of Charlotte; grandsons, Will and Austin Jones of Charlotte; sisters, Betty Love and Peggy Moore of Clover. He was preceded in death by his brothers, Bishop Ross Love Jr., Harry Love, Jim Love and Bob Love of Clover.

He was a former member of the York Optimist Club, served on the Housing Authority Board and was a member and former deacon at First Presbyterian Church.

This story was originally published March 26, 2015 at 4:20 PM with the headline "Love, longtime York firefighter, ‘always answered the call’."