William H. 'Bill' Pettiford
William H. “Bill” Pettiford passed away Wednesday, Oct. 16, 2024 at his home in Roxabel after a valiant struggle with multiple sclerosis.
Bill was born July 29, 1946 in Ross County, a son of the late Theodore and Irene Banks Pettiford. On July 17, 1971, Bill married the former Betty Bryant.
He was a well-known husband, father, grandpa, uncle and coach.
Bill was a 1964 graduate of Frankfort High School. While in high school, Bill was in the school choir, and they won the state contest with the song, “Oh Shenandoah”. He also excelled in many different sports, football and track. He competed in several state track competitions and received several awards. These experiences later influenced him when he coached little league baseball in the Scioto Valley Youth League.
Following high school, Bill joined the United States Air Force July 13, 1964 and was a veteran of the Vietnam War. While in the Air Force, he was assigned to the North American Aerospace Defense Command (NORAD). One of his duties while there was to track that jolly old elf on Christmas Eve, Santa Claus, and answer calls from many curious children as to where Santa was. This was a duty Bill gained much happiness from.
He retired as a supervisor at DuPont in Circleville following 30 years of service. Bill had attended the Roxabel Second Baptist Church. Many people remember Bill as an excellent photographer. He loved to cover the high school sports teams and photograph the games. He was a photographer but was rarely photographed. Bill was an avid golfer and spent many hours on the course. Even with his multiple sclerosis, he was on the course enjoying the game.
He is survived by his wife, Betty, of Roxabel, two sons, Sham (Jodi) Pettiford of Lattaville and Jelani (Michele) Pettiford of Frankfort; one grandson, Trenton William Pettiford, aka “Joe;” one sister-in-law, Mary Ann Pettiford; and two brothers-in-law, Donald Valentine of Clarksburg and Robert Bryant Jr. of Frankfort.
Bill was preceded in death by his brother, Wendell Pettiford; and two sisters-in-law, Sandy Bryant and Barbara Valentine.
Visitation will be held Sunday, Oct. 20, 2024 from 3-5 p.m. at the Ebright Funeral Home, Frankfort. A funeral service will be held at 5 p.m. with Robert Bryant Jr. officiating. Following the service, Bill will be cremated. The family will hold a private graveside service in Greenlawn Cemetery, Frankfort, where military honors will be accorded by the U.S. Air Force and the Ross County Veterans Honor Guard.
In lieu of flowers, the family requests memorial contributions to the Multiple Sclerosis Society, 6520 N Andrews Ave., Ft Lauderdale, Fla. 33309 or NCR Hospice, 681 E Third St., Waverly, Ohio 45690.
Bill’s family would like to extend their heartfelt thanks to the staff of National Church Residence Hospice and Bill’s nurse, Clarissa and his nurse Don, with the Home Base Team at the VA.
Those wishing to sign Bill's online register may do so at www.ebrightfuneralhome.com.