Rock Island, Tenn., resident and Ockley, Ind. native William “Bill” Crist, 81, was born June 8, 1941 and died Nov. 23, 2022 at Alive Hospice in Murfreesboro following an extended illness.    

A retired truck driver, he was the son of the late William Alfred Crist, Sr. and Pearl Elizabeth Davis Crist.  He was married to Kay Crist of Rock Island on Sept. 10, 2005.  In addition to his parents, he was preceded in death by sister, Norma J. Crist; brother, Bobby Crist and grandchild, Joshua James Handy.

Bill enjoyed life and spending time with family, friends and his dogs Buddy and Bullet. He loved playing his guitar, fishing, boating, playing cards and having breakfast with his buddies. Bill especially loved helping people. He enjoyed volunteering for the food pantry every Friday and delivering donations to Pine Ridge Reservations in South Dakota, delivering turkeys to people’s home at Thanksgiving and Christmas and helping shelter dogs find forever homes by helping pay the associated fees. He was a selfless, loving and caring person with a great sense of humor that touched and brightened the lives of many.

In addition to his wife, Mr. Crist is survived by children, Diana Moore and Delbe (Craig) Freeman, both of Indiana, Kirk Russell Benedict of California and Kim (Martin) Webb of Indiana; 15 grandchildren and great-grandchildren; sister, Kay (Rick) Burge of Ind.; brother, Elmer (Patsy) Crist of Ind. and several nieces and nephews.

Memorial service will be held at 3 p.m. Saturday, Dec. 3, in High’s Chapel with Rick Lyles officiating. Visitation will be held Saturday from 2 p.m. until time of service in High’s Chapel.

Online condolences may be made at www.highfuneralhome.com.

High Funeral Home and High’s Cremations, Inc. is in charge of arrangements.

Southern Standard

(McMinnville, Tenn.) Nov. 30, 2022