Willliam A Cruthird

William Allan Cruthird Jr.

William Allan Cruthird Jr. Affectionately known as Bill (Billy) Sunrise was on November 26, 1965, in Indianapolis, Indiana. He was the only son born to William Sr. and Mardine Cruthird.

Bill (Billy) attended Indianapolis Public Schools, graduating from John Marshall High School in 1984. He immediately entered the United States Navy upon graduation retiring as a Hospital Corpsman Third Class. He attended Jefferson Community Technical College. He later earned a degree in Psychology from Indiana University Southeast in 2013.

Bill (Billy) faced a host of challenges throughout his life related to kidney disease with remarkable strength and never complained. Instead, he would laugh at his multiple surgeries even using the hashtag “Frankenstein” as one of his email addresses. He often shared stories of telling the doctors or dialysis nurses what to do. Billy was a two-time kidney transplant recipient; he became an advocate for organ donation. In 2010, Billy declared he wanted to save as many people as possible and became an organ donor himself.

Bill (Billy) loved to travel and wanted to visit all 50 states. He would load Jackie and the kids in the truck and roll out. Billy also loved to take pictures documenting his travels and we all know he would randomly snap pictures whether the target was ready or not. Billy LOOOOOVED people and chose to keep working and engaging as a Food Service worker at Mike Linings Restaurant.

Bill (Billy) embodied the spirit of a family man with a mission to show love and bring joy to everyone he encountered. At every family event, you would find him cracking jokes, laughing, and lending a helping hand. He adored his daughter and two sons, often volunteering at their school. Billy was an award-winning Chess Coach at Layne Elementary.

Bill (Billy) LOOOOOVED people and chose to keep working and engaging. He worked as a Youth Service Coordinator for multiple organizations and as a Food Service worker at Mike Linnigs Restaurant. His outgoing personality meant he never met a stranger; he had a gift for making anyone he met feel like an instant friend. He found happiness in making others smile through a heartfelt card, letter, or text. Many recall how he would check on them regularly—you could set your clock by the timing of his calls, texts, or social media posts.

Bill (Billy) was a passionate sports fan and especially loved Notre Dame football, the Indianapolis Colts, and Indiana University basketball.

In 1996, Bill (Billy) fell in love and married Jacqueline (Jackie) being married November 22, 1997, and moved to Louisville, Kentucky, where he continued to build friendships and spread his joy. Billy faithfully attended Saints Simon & Jude Catholic Church volunteering on numerous committees even acting as the Easter Bunny for church events.

Bill (Billy) answered his heavenly call on January 21, 2025, at the age of 59. He was preceded in death by his parents, William Sr. and Mardine Cruthird, and his sister, Veronica Cruthird.

Bill (Billy) leaves to cherish his loving memory his devoted wife, Jacqueline (Jackie), his beloved daughter, Kristiana Cruthird, and his sons, Roderick and Jared Cruthird. He is also survived by his sisters, Darlene Foote, Veda Cruthird, and Verlynda Cruthird. He will be deeply missed by his nephews, Michael Barner and Darius Glover. Nieces, Tylynn Burnett, Daja Royster, and Shania Steward, along with a host of extended family and friends.

Funeral service will be held at 2 pm on Saturday, February 1, 2025 in the chapel at Evergreen Funeral Home, 4623 Preston Hwy. Visitation will begin at 11 until the time of the service at the funeral home.