WILLIAM E. NIEMANN William 'Bill' E. Niemann, MSgt., USAF, retired, entered into rest on April 5, 2007.

Funeral services were held at 11 a.m. on Tuesday, April 10, at First United Methodist Church with Rev. Gale Seibert officiating. Interment followed in Resthaven Cemetery with full military honors.

Mr. Niemann grew up in Lincolnton and was a Boy Scout, attaining the rank of Eagle Scout. He was an adult leader from age 20 - 45, serving as Scoutmaster in Germany, Mississippi, Texas, Illinois, Okinawa, Michigan and Montana. After retiring in 1981, he was the Scoutmaster for Troop 34 in Washington, Ga. He joined the Air Force in the summer of 1960. Some of his accomplishments while serving his country were: Presidential Unit Citation, A.F. Commendation Medal 3 times, Vietnam Service Medal, graduate of the NCO Academy at Maxwell AFB, AL, NCO of the year in 1977 and NCO of the quarter at several installations. He was also able to further his education with an Associates degree from the Community College of the Air Force.

Civic Commitments include the Kiwanis and was Kiwanian of the year 1984-1985. He was a Master Mason of Lafayette 23, F&AM and a Shriner. He was a member of the First United Methodist Church and president of the W&L Model Railroad Club.

Pallbearers were Jim Finch, Jack Leard, Ralph Bray, David Cravens, Mike Davis, and Guillame Slama. Masons of Lafayette Lodge 23, F&AM served as honorary pallbear- ers.

Bill is survived by his wife, Pat Ward Niemann and three children, William Edward, II of Powder Springs, Ga., Cynthia Niemann Long of Washington and Lynn Niemann Young of Thomson, Ga.; his mother in law, Rachel Ward of Washington; a brother in law, Ernie Ward of Woodstock, Ga.; a brother, Chet Niemann of Deland, Fla.; a sister, Deanne Thompson of Lincolnton; and six grandchildren.

Bill's trust and faith in God has been an inspiration to our entire community.

In lieu of flowers, please make memorial contributions to the First United Methodist Church Building Fund.

Hopkins Funeral Home was in charge of arrangements.