William “Bill” C. Retherford, 89 of Joy, died October 23, 2025, at his home, with his family at his side. Funeral services will be 10 a.m., Monday, October 27, at the Joy United Methodist Church. Burial will be in Eliza Creek Cemetery. Visitation is from 2 to 6 p.m., Sunday, October 26, 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 and 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, Doris; children and spouses, Steve Retherford, Rod and Dory Retherford, Doug and Lynn Retherford, Randy and Lori Retherford, Brad and Debbie Retherford, Brenda Dunn, and Bruce Retherford; a sister, Corlie Krueger; 18 grandchildren; 24 great-grandchildren; and one 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.