Bill was born in Richmond, Indiana to a working-class family; his father worked in the Easton Gear Factory and was a church minister. His mother worked at the Richmond Baking Company and raised Bill, his three sisters and brother. At age 8, Bill started hunting and trapping with his father, where he developed his love for shooting and the outdoors. In fact, he still has the first .410 Western Field Side by Side that his father gave him.