William "Bill" Ray Crippen

CARBONDALE – William “Bill” Ray Crippen, 66, passed on Saturday, February 15, 2020 at his home surrounded by his loving family.



Bill was born on April 30, 1953 in Cairo, Illinois to George Harold Crippen and Betty Jean (Goins) Crippen. The family moved to Carbondale in 1960. He married Joyce Ann Goldsby on November 9, 1974 at First United Methodist Church in Carbondale.



Bill is survived by his wife, Joyce Crippen; mother Betty Jean Crippen; sons, Eric (Debbie) Crippen, and Jay (Billie) Crippen; brothers, Steven (Sheila) Crippen and Larry (Gina) Crippen; grandchildren Taylor and Jordyn Crippen, and Chloe Crippen; and many nieces, nephews, great-nieces, and great-nephews who loved him dearly.



Bill was preceded in death by his father, George Harold Crippen.



Bill worked as a carpenter for the Physical Plant at Southern Illinois University in Carbondale until he retired in 2017. He was a devoted member of First United Methodist Church in Carbondale where he served as Chairman of the Board of Trustees many terms, was a Senior High Sunday School teacher for over 10 years, participated in the youth Annual Service Projects several years and was trained and served as a Stephen Minister. Bill also served as a Chaplain at Memorial Hospital. He was a member the Carpenters Union. For many years he was an active member of the Saluki Booster Club and served a term as President. He served several terms as a member of the Board of Education at Unity Point School. After his Cancer diagnosis in 2017, he participated in the Strong Survivor Program at SIU.



A Celebration of Life Service will be held at 11:30 a.m. on Saturday, February 22, 2020 at First United Methodist Church with Dr. Howard White officiating. Visitation will be held from 9:30 a.m. to 11:30 a.m. on Saturday at the church.



In lieu of flowers memorials may be made to Coach Kill Cancer Fund, Strong Survivor Program at SIU, or First United Methodist Church in Carbondale and will be accepted at the church.



Meredith Funeral Home in Carbondale is in charge of arrangements. To leave a story or memory of Bill visit, www.meredithfh.com.