THE family of a former Oswestry Town chairman who oversaw the club's merger with Total Network Solutions (TNS) say they will remember a loving gentleman with a hint of mischief.

Bill Jerman, 92, died on Sunday after living with dementia, with his death confirmed by grandson Andy Wilson over the weekend.

Andy paid tribute to his football-mad granddad, saying that his farmer background gave him a keen competitive edge in all of his sporting ventures, but added that he and his family will remember a man that did everything he could for them.

"He was a bit of a character – when we used to have family meals, he used to be one of those people that caused mischief," said Andy.

"He was the life and soul of parties, and he was hugely passionate about his football.

"Bill was a lifelong supporter of Wolves, and whenever we had these family meals they have to be timed around his football.

"Whenever he was watching TNS, we had to make sure it was timed so that when he got back he could come.

"It's fair to say that football dominated his life, but he loved playing crown green bowls.

"Also, he played dominoes three times a week at The Boot in Whittington, and he used to love his cricket too.

"He was sports mad, and he was so competitive because of it and his farming background – he was such a strong character. "

Born in Churchstoke in Powys, Bill leaves behind his wife of 66 years Myra, three daughters – Lynn, Christine and Andy's mum Angela – as well as four grandchildren and three great-grandchildren.

With a passion for the Froncysyllte Male Voice Choir as well as maintaining his garden and growing his own produce, Andy says the kind words he has received sum his granddad up.

"You could see from all the comments that people just thought that he was a gentleman, and that makes me very proud to be the grandson of a true gentleman," he added.

"He looked after his children and grandchildren, and he was such a loving, caring man.

"My abiding memory of my granddad is that he was a passionate, hardworking, loving family man with a very cheeky side to him."

Football was his main passion, and had many a tale to tell regarding his playing days – including a wait to go to the hospital after breaking his leg playing for Churchstoke because the ambulance driver wanted a few pints!

Bill also brought Mike Harris – current The New Saints owner – to Oswestry as way of ensuring football survived in the town, after taking them into the Welsh system.

"He stood by his decision to oversee the merger when he was chairman of Oswestry Town," said Andy.

"When they were going through hard times, he used to tip in and do things like mowing the grass and getting the pitch ready for games.

"He spent hours down there and made the club what it was."

Mr Harris paid tribute to Bill.

He said: "Bill will be sadly missed.

"He was a great gentleman who I spent many hours talking with about his passion for The New Saints and Oswestry Town.

"He will be sadly missed by myself and everyone around the club, especially his match day enthusiasm about seeing good football. My deepest sympathies to his family and friends.

"He may be gone but won’t be forgotten. Rest in peace Bill, my friend."