The death has been announced of Bill Jelley, former Chairman and Founder of St Helens-based Timber & Builders’ Merchants ST Group (formerly Sutton Timber).
Bill Jelley (89) passed away peacefully at Parr Care Home, in St Helens, Merseyside, where he had been cared for in their specialist End of Life unit.
Bill was a born entrepreneur and began his business career as a boy taking every opportunity he could to ‘make a few shillings’
As a young man he had saved enough to buy a small piece of land and began dealing in timber. The business grew and became a significant ‘one stop’ builders’ merchant operating from a 5 acre site on the edge of town.
Eventually, Bill handed the day-to-day running of the company to his son in law, Andrew Smith. The ST Group became one of the largest family businesses in St Helens. Incorporated in 1973, the business was sold to Huws Gray in 2016.
Included within ST Group was a bespoke Joinery Division and a PVCu and Aluminium PVCu window and door fabricator, Qualplas.
Bill's enthusiasm for Rugby League and his recognised business acumen lead him to accepting an invitation to join the Board of St Helens RLFC. Being a Saints Director was a proud moment for him and he drew great satisfaction in playing a part in helping the Club reach the position it holds today.
A long standing member of St Helens Rotary Club, Bill was always keen to quietly support deserving charitable causes, including initiating the Company’s regular and long-term involvement with the National Children’s Charity, NCH ~ Action for Children.
Another of Bill’s loves was Crown Green Bowls, and, as Chairman of Windle Bowling Club for a number of years, he was able to combine business with pleasure in pursuing one of his favourite pastimes.
Born in 1932, Bill lived a full and active life until requiring home nursing in recent years.
He is survived by his loving wife Dorothy, daughter Alison, son in law Andrew, three grandsons and a great-granddaughter.
