William Suyekichi Uyehara was born on May 29, 1931, in Makawao, Maui to Ushi and Tama Uyehara and older sisters Lily and Shizue. His older brothers, Albert and Alfred served in the Korean War, with "Bill" being required to stay back to care for his family. Albert returned safely but Alfred was reported MIA during his service and never returned. Bill met Mona Murakami in 1950 and they married in 1952 in Honolulu. Soon their eldest son, Wayne was born in 1953. Bill moved to Los Angeles in 1954, a year ahead of his family to establish a career and home before being joined in by them 1955. Youngest son Mark was born in 1964 after the family had settled in Gardena.

William worked various jobs before landing a Job at Bank of America in 1960. He spent over 20 years at Bank of America before becoming a business owner of a liquor store in El Segundo. First son Wayne, married in 1982 to wife Kim with children, Shannon and Shawn. In 1995 William retired from work and sold his business. Mark married Christine in 2000 and soon after had a daughter, Maille. After his beloved wife Mona passed away in 2005, Bill decided to move to the retirement homes in Teramachi where he resided until his passing.

Bill spent his later years tending to his garden and visiting his granddaughter, Maille. For most of his life, Bill was a hardworking businessman and in his later years was able to enjoy the fruits of his labor.