William "Bill" Retherford

William “Bill” C. Retherford, 89 of Joy, died October 23, 2025, at his home, with his family at his side. Funeral services will be Monday, October 27th at 10:00 AM at the Joy United Methodist Church. Burial will be in Eliza Creek Cemetery. Visitation is Sunday from 2 to 6 PM at Speer Funeral Home, Aledo. Memorials may be made to the Joy United Methodist Church or the Joy Fire Department.

William Clyde was born on July 16, 1936, in Joy, Illinois to William Clarence & Lucille C. (Moses) Retherford. He was a graduate of Joy High School, where he excelled at basketball and football. On November 26, 1953, Bill and Doris Crutcher were united in marriage at the Joy United Methodist Church.

Bill and Doris raised their family on the Centennial Farm north of Joy. He not only farmed, but he was also an excellent electrician,, carpenter and pump puller. He had a hand in helping his family and community build. He also built grain bins with his boys for Superior Grain Bins and Conrad American. Bill loved to go to auctions, buy something and fix it up. In his spare time, he enjoyed hunting and fishing.

Bill is survived by his wife of 72 years, Doris; children and spouses: Steve Retherford; Rod & Dory Retherford; Doug & Lynn Retherford; Randy & Lori Retherford; Brad & Debbie Retherford; Brenda Dunn and Bruce Retherford; a sister, Corlie Krueger; 18 grandchildren; 24 great-grandchildren and 1 great-great-grandchild. Bill was preceded in death by his parents; a sister, Dixie Keller; a grandson, Tyson Dunn; daughter-in-law, Denise Retherford and a son-in-law, Mark Dunn.