07/06/2026
Help Us Stand Behind One of Our Own: Bill Piper, Local 487 Tampa District.
For decades, Bill Piper, a proud 44-year member of Operating Engineers Local 487’s Tampa District, has dedicated his life to more than just his trade and Sims Crane—he has built people. Bill has spent his career operating heavy equipment with unmatched skill, professionalism, and pride. But what truly defines him isn’t the equipment he operated; it’s the lives he touched along the way.
Throughout his career, Bill has trained and mentored countless apprentices, helping shape the next generation. He has shared his knowledge freely, encouraged those just starting out, and set the standard for what it means to be a true professional. To many, Bill isn’t just an operator; he’s a teacher, a mentor, and an icon within the Tampa District and the crane industry. If you’ve ever had the privilege of working beside Bill, you know he was always willing to answer a question or lend a hand. He has spent a lifetime lifting others up.
Now, as his union brothers, sisters, and lifelong friends, it is our turn to lift him up.
As many of you know, Bill is courageously fighting the toughest battle of his life. Following a journey that began with colon cancer in late 2024, he was recently diagnosed with aggressive advanced esophageal cancer. Because of the highly specialized care he requires, Bill and his wife, Angie, have had to temporarily relocate from their home in North Carolina to Columbus, Ohio, so Bill can receive treatment at The James Cancer Hospital at The Ohio State University. Just this past week, Bill underwent major brain surgery to remove a tumor, with intensive therapies ahead.
While they are incredibly grateful for this elite medical care, managing this extended crisis far from home on a fixed retirement income has created a massive financial strain. For weeks, they have been living out of their camper near the hospital, facing the heavy costs of double living expenses, constant travel, fuel, and the need for secure, short-term housing as his treatments progress.
Angie has set up this GoFundMe page to help manage these overwhelming personal and living costs. Bill and Angie are deeply humble, hardworking people who never imagined they would have to ask for help—but now is our chance to show them they aren't fighting alone.
We are reaching out to Bill’s family, friends, fellow Operating Engineers, contractors, apprentices, and everyone whose life he has impacted to stand watch with them. Whether Bill trained you, worked beside you, or inspired you by the way he carried himself, this is our opportunity to give back to a proud veteran operator and dear friend who has spent his career giving so much to others.
No gift is too small, and every single contribution will go directly to Angie to ease this financial burden so they can focus entirely on Bill's treatment and recovery. If you are unable to donate, you can make a tremendous difference by sharing this fundraiser with your family, friends, coworkers, and across your social media pages.
The Operating Engineers have always been more than just coworkers—we are a family. When one of our own needs help, we answer the call. Thank you for your generosity, your prayers, and for standing shoulder-to-shoulder with Bill and Angie during this fight. Together, we can help carry the load for a man who has spent his life helping carry ours.
United We Stand, Divided We Fall.
Gofundme link:
Hello friends, family, and the Operating Engineers brothers and sisters, … Angie Piper needs your support for Standing with Bill Piper in His Time of Need
