William Edwin Etheredge

There was a gasp of shock and heartbreak in this corner of our world when Will Etheredge succumbed to complications resulting from a traumatic fall. At the time of his death, his hospital room was filled with family and friends, lots of love, prayer, and song. He will be remembered as a kind man, a man of faith in Jesus Christ, and a blessing to his community. He will be missed terribly by his wife Marilyn, his family, and his friends.

Will was raised in Electra, Texas, and is predeceased by his parents Rev. William Gerald Etheredge and Helen (Moody) Etheredge. He earned a B.A. in Music Education from Baylor University in 1977. His love of music lasted his entire life, ranging from chamber music to Pink Floyd.

Will’s career as a traveling sales representative for Biogroom intersected with his lifelong devotion to animals. Surely, he was welcomed to heaven with wet kisses from the many canine companions who had gone ahead and were awaiting his arrival. He loved dogs. He also loved entertaining, poetry, hunting, baking, reading, a Payday candy bar, good whiskey, and a fine cigar.

Most of us see retirement as an opportunity to slow down, but not Will. Will saw retirement as a chance to live out his Christian faith through compassion, education, and community service. He will be remembered by the friends he made in recent years through his work as a deacon at First Presbyterian Church, Men’s Ministry, Bexar County Prison Ministry, Adult Education Tai Chi, and Walk to Emmaus.

Will adored his bride of seventeen years. We can hear him correct us now, saying “seventeen wonderful years.” He relished his role as stepparent to Marilyn’s grown children Jason Ritthaler and Amy Gilmour. One of his greatest joys in life was being a hands-on grandpa to Amy’s children: his “sunshine” Sophia and his “best bud” Noble. He helped them with homework, supported their interests, and guided their spiritual lives, helping to shape them into the wonderful adults they now are.

Together, Marilyn and Will beautifully blended their two families into one. The Etheredge side of this family includes Byron Etheredge (brother) and Byron’s wife Gena, Erin and Khaled Rashwan (niece and spouse), and little Ella Rashwan. Will is also survived by Briscoe, a King Charles Cavalier who is doing his best to comfort Marilyn in his master’s absence.

Funeral service will be held Monday, January 13th at 11:30 AM in the sanctuary of First Presbyterian Church, with a reception to follow. The funeral will be live-streamed at https: https://vimeo.com/event/3820245/d5827eba4a

In lieu of flowers, consider a donation in honor of Will Etheredge to Young Life Alamo Heights or Young Life East: https://younglife.org/give/