Bill was born in Cedar Springs, Missouri on July 20, 1926 to Bessie and Leotha Worthington. He was the youngest of nine children. Bill grew up and went to school in Eldorado Springs, Missouri. During World War II, at the age of seventeen, Bill joined the United States Navy and served aboard the USS Arcadia. While on shore leave in Charleston, South Carolina, he met his future wife, Bettye Terrell. They married on July 23, 1946. They were married 70 years until Bettye passed away on May 30, 2016.
They eventually moved to California to begin their family and in 1947 a daughter, Beverly was born, two years later a second daughter Cheryl was born.
Bill began working for Ferry Morse Seed Company and continued to do so for 38 years until he retired. He enjoyed his job and going to the west side to pick tomatoes after his retirement.
He enjoyed riding his bike in the park three miles a day. During the winter he would stack 4 cords of wood so he could have a fire, up until the age of 92.
Bill was preceded in death by his parents, brothers and sisters. He leaves two daughters, Beverly Sanders of Tulare and Cheryl McAuliffe Corey of Arroyo Grande and husband Gordon; grandchildren Lisa Hill, Rita McAuliffe and Michael McAuliffe and wife, Catherine; six great grandchildren and one great great grandchild.
Visitation will be held on Sunday December 12, 2021 from 1 – 4 p.m. at Miller Memorial Chapel, 1120 W. Goshen Ave in Visalia, CA. Graveside services will be held on Monday, December 13, 2021 at 12 Noon at Visalia Public Cemetery, 1300 W. Goshen Avenue in Visalia, CA. Tributes and condolences may be made at www.millerchapel.com.
Donations may be made to Tulare AmVets Post 56, PO Box 240, Tulare, CA 93274 ATTN: AMVETS HONOR GUARD.
Fond memories and expressions of sympathy may be shared at www.millerchapel.com for the Worthington family.
Arrangements entrusted to Miller Memorial Chapel, 1120 W. Goshen Ave., Visalia, CA (559) 732-8371.
