William Edward Touchton

William Edward Touchton, age 92, passed away peacefully on May 6, 2020 at Community Hospice and Palliative Care, Earl B. Hadlow Center for Caring. Bill was born on November 26, 1927 in Jacksonville to Frank Herbert and Gertie Elizabeth Touchton. He was an active member of Cedar Creek Baptist Church for 58 years before becoming a member of Faith Memorial Baptist Church. He was a church deacon for many years and loved gospel music. In his earlier years, he was the lead singer of the Gospelaires Quartet and was known to sing his favorite gospel songs during many family gatherings.

With an engineering and entrepreneurial mind, he started Touchton Air Brake in 1973. Bill was a family man, and was fascinated by genealogy. He was loved by many, and will be deeply missed.

Bill was preceded in death by his parents, Frank and Gertie Touchton; his brothers Ellis, Frank, and Walter Touchton; his sisters Lorriane Touchton Hurst, Nathalea Touchton Grow, and Betty Touchton Hoskins; and his two sons William Edward Touchton, Jr. and John Mark Touchton. He is survived by his loving and faithful wife of almost 70 years, Helen Touchton; four children Nathalea Touchton Ellenburg (John), Frank Alan Touchton (Joyce), Susan Touchton Milford (Larry), and Karen Touchton Higginbotham; twelve grandchildren; twenty great-grandchildren; and one brother, Lloyd Touchton (Joan).

Funeral services will be held privately for the family on Saturday, May 9, 2020 at Hardage-Giddens Riverside Memorial Park and Funeral Home. The family will hold a public Celebration of Life in September, 2020.

Hardage-Giddens Riverside Memorial Park and Funeral Home, 7242 Normandy Boulevard, is serving the family. Please share online condolences for the family at hgriversidefuneralhome.com