William Stephen Bachman Jr.

William Stephen “Steve” Bachman, Jr., 83, passed away peacefully on May 16, 2026, surrounded by the love of family and friends. Steve lived life to the fullest. He never missed an opportunity for a good story and a shared laugh, and was loved by all who had the pleasure of knowing him.

Born on November 18, 1942, in Connecticut, Steve was the son of William Stephen Bachman and Helen Page Tatnall Bachman, and the beloved younger brother of Louisa Bachman Gerstenberger. Steve attended Hopkins Grammar School before earning his undergraduate degree in history from Dartmouth College. He later earned his MBA from Boston University.

From 1965 to 1968, Steve proudly served as a Lieutenant in the United States Navy during the Vietnam War aboard the U.S.S. Floyd County, LST 762 (a Landing Ship Tank, or as Steve characteristically called it, a “Large Slow Target”).

While stationed with the Navy in San Diego, Steve met the love of his life, Carol Ann McLaughlin, on a blind date. That chance meeting became the beginning of a remarkable partnership and enduring love story. Over 60 years of marriage, they built a family grounded in laughter, loyalty, adventure, and devotion. Nothing brought Steve greater pride than his children and grandchildren, and Carol’s bright smile and loving kindness sustained him throughout his days. His grandchildren knew him as a joyful presence, generous with stories, encouragement, and affection.

Professionally, Steve’s contributions were marked by innovation and integrity. At Cummins Wagner Co., he established an Employee Stock Ownership Plan (ESOP) program that reflected his deep belief in investing in people. Later, through his work with First Source, he focused on recycling solvents and other industrial wastes to mitigate the environmental impact of manufacturing. 

Outside of work, Steve pursued his passions with infectious enthusiasm. A gifted athlete, he played hockey at Dartmouth and later semi-professionally for the Baltimore Brewers — and in what he called “huff-n-puff” leagues until his mid-50s. Steve won the scoring title in his last two years of “huff-n-puff,” noting that “I was only 2/3 as fast as the other guys, but I knew where to be and when to pass the puck!” He was also an accomplished sailor, racing one-design Lightning class boats all over North America and in the world championships in Peru (1964) and Chile (1981). Steve thrived on camaraderie, competition, and the pure joy of participation, and his family enjoyed joining him at the rink, on the boat, and for all the adventures that ensued.

Perhaps no hobby captured his lifelong sense of wonder more than his love of trains. An avid collector of Lionel standard gauge pre-war tinplate trains, Steve created elaborate working layouts in the basement of nearly every home he lived in, beginning with his childhood home where he and his father would disappear for hours on end to lay track, tinker, and run the trains. Those train rooms became gathering places for four generations of Bachman family engineers — full of motion, craftsmanship, nostalgia, and delight — much like Steve himself.

Steve had a remarkable ability to make people feel at ease. He never met a waitress who didn’t dote on him, never entered a room he couldn’t brighten, and never lost his ability to tell a great story. He loved people, and they loved him. He is survived by his sister Louisa; his wife Carol; his children Linda (Gin), Sally (Drew) and Bill (Vita); his grandchildren Maddie, Sophia, Lydia, and Daniel, and nieces and nephews who all adored him. Treasured memories and countless stories will bring comfort to all who loved him.

There will be an informal reception to give thanks for Steve’s life at the Presbyterian Village Athens Atrium on Tuesday, May 26, 3-4:30pm; stories and memories may be sent to Steve’s daughter Linda (lindabachman@mac.com, or 569 Pulaski Street, Athens GA 30601). Gifts in lieu of flowers may be made to the Presbyterian Village of Athens Employee Fund, in recognition of their exceptional and loving care. Checks can be mailed to the attention of Candace Campbell, Presbyterian Village Athens, 1400 Live Oak Lane, Athens GA 30606; or hand-delivered to the front desk. Lord and Stephens-East is in charge of arrangements.