William J. Carney

William J. Carney (January 27, 1927 – April 1, 2010) was a U.S. Veteran signalman. He was born in Youngstown, a son of William F. and Elsie Mae Woodall Carney. He was a graduate of South High School. He was a Navy veteran of World War II and the Korean War serving in the Pacific in both as a signalman. Carney worked in the Metallurgical Lab at Sheet and Tube and with Metropolitan Housing Authority until retirement.

He was a lifetime member of AMVETS, Past Commander of AMVETS Post 35 in 1958, Past President Brownlee Woods Rod and Gun Club, Past president of Mahoning County Sportsman Federation, Past President of The Men's Garden Club of Youngstown, Past President of Central Great Lakes Region of TGOA/MGCA, Past National President of the Gardeners of America/ Men's Garden Clubs of America. Bill was a member of the Board of The Friends of Fellows Riverside Gardens for six years and President of the Board in 1997. He has volunteered at the Gardens since 1988 and served as a tour guide for youth and adult groups. He was an accredited Horticultural Show Judge, certified Master Gardener and a member of the Board of Directors of the Volunteer Service Agency.

Carney helped reorganize Boy Scout Troop #2 in Poland, served several years as assistant Scoutmaster and was Committee Chairman of the troop and continued to serve as Scout Counselor for Citizenship and gardening.

He was a member of the Ohio Legislature serving as State Representative in 1961-62 and 1965-66. Bill was honored along with his wife, JoAnne at the Governors Residence February 14, 2005 for their lifelong service to the community. He was selected to greet President George W. Bush and his wife Laura when they visited the Mahoning Valley in October 2004.