George "Bill" Hennessy

He leaves his wife of 52 years, Carol. He is also survived by his children, Terri Craig (David) of St. George, Utah, Michael Hennessy of San Clemente, California, Shannon Gardner (Brad) of Hurricane, Utah and his grandchildren, Torrie Rahde (Rick), Kyndall Gardner, Nicole Fernando Del Pino (Travis), Garrett Craig, Lilly Craig and Evan Craig. He leaves one great granddaughter, Sage Fernando Del Pino and a great grandson, Brooks Rahde, due in May.

Bill was born in Montebello, California, but raised in Santa Maria, California. He was the son of Michael C. Hennessy and Carolyn Klein Hennessy. He resided in Cherry Valley for the past 38 years.

He served in the Air Force from 1957 to 1960. It was in the Air Force that he found the career he wanted to pursue. He attended Cal Poly Pomona, graduating with a degree in Electronic Engineering in 1967. He went on to earn a Master’s Degree in Systems Engineering from West Coast University in 1971. He worked as a civilian engineer for the U.S. Navy at the Naval Weapons Station in Norco until his retirement in 1993. Bill served as a Riverside County Juvenile Justice Commissioner and was a long time member of the Beaumont Lion’s Club

Over the years his favorite activities included motorcycle riding, horseback riding, traveling in his motor home, and sailing his boat in San Diego for 15 years. One of his greatest joys was running the chains for the Beaumont High School football games for 10 years.

Funeral services will be held at the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints at 6140 W. Wilson in Banning. There will be a viewing from 10:00 a.m. to noon, followed by the service from noon to 1:00 p.m. Following the service, there will be a grave dedication at the Mt. View Cemetery at 1315 Edgar Ave., Beaumont. There will lunch for family and friends at the church after the grave dedication.

In lieu of flowers, the family has requested donations to the LDS Church’s Fast Offering Program. The money stays in the community to help those in need of aid or services. The donations can be sent to Bishop Michael Williams at 608 Weng Star St., Beaumont, CA 92223. Please indicate that the donation is for the Fast Offering Program.

Arrangements under the direction of Weaver Mortuary, Beaumont, CA.