William Rivers, entered into eternal rest on July 28, 2018, In Pensacola Florida at Creekside Assisted Living Facility. William was born on March 11, 1934, in Charleston, SC to Alexander and Eva (Sass) Rivers. He was preceded in death by both loving parents, his brothers Alexander Jr “Lick”, Walter Lee, Johnny, Julius; sisters Benie Mae, and Gloria (Rivers) Asby.
William attended school in Wando S.C. and later met Kathleen Williams they were married in 1954 and from that union 5 children were born. William entered the United States Army on June 16, 1952 and served in the Korean War. After his discharge from the military on June 15, 1955 William relocated to New York. In 1962 William relocated to Chicago, Illinois and began his stellar career at Allstate Insurance Company in the printing department. During that time he met and married Mary Koonce in 1969 and from that union two children were born. William and Mary celebrated 48 years of marriage in December 2017.
While in Chicago, William served at local churches; Mercy Seat Missionary Baptist Church and Broadview Missionary Baptist Church where held key positions of Deacon, Chairman of the Deacon Board, and Superintendent of Sunday School. During his 30 year career at Allstate William, received several awards for perfect attendance, outstanding achievements in excellence, and many more.
In 1994 William retired from Allstate and in 1995, he relocated to Pensacola, Florida where he served at Fairfield Drive Independent Baptist Church. He enjoyed retirement by fishing, gardening, traveling, and eating at local restaurants.
He leaves to continue his legacy his wife Mary (Koonce) Rivers, four sons William Jr. “Curly”, Elvis (Patty), Carl (Avlyn), Orrin; three daughters, Yvette, Melissa, Ninnet Bowman (Timothy Sr.); nine grandchildren, Tyrek, Christopher, Denise, Savasiah “Brittany”, Tavonia “T-Bone”, Nyjhia, Briana, Timothy Jr. “TJ”, and Philip; three great-grandchildren, Iyanah, Nevaeh, and Truth. Siblings left to cherish his memory are Ruth, Joe Nathan “Bookie”, Blondell “Dell”; extended family Minh, Toan, (Tran-Nguyen)Toan (Clay), Tu (Najah-wife, Jethro, Levi), Daniel, Samuel, and Rebecca.
He will be missed by a host nieces, nephews, cousins, and extended family and friends.
