William Howard Etheridge, Jr.

William Howard “Bill” Etheridge, Jr.

September 16, 1939 – August 20, 2025

William Howard “Bill” Etheridge, Jr., beloved father, grandfather, great-grandfather, brother, uncle, cousin, and friend, passed away on August 20, 2025, at the age of 85.

Bill was born in Hammond, Indiana, and grew up in Morocco, Indiana. Later, he met his soon-to-be wife, Annette, during a trip to Florida. They were married six months later. They raised their three children in New Lenox, Illinois. Bill most recently lived in Bolingbrook, Illinois, and South Lyon, Michigan.

Known affectionately as Papa Bill to his grandchildren, he delighted in family moments and making others laugh. A true lover of life and learning, Bill studied psychology at Indiana University and had a lifelong passion for theology, with a special interest in Christian and Jewish scriptures. He was an avid reader with a vast collection of books on many subjects, including the classics, theology, philosophy, and history - he was especially fond of the works of Aldous Huxley, particularly in his youth, and later, Fyodor Dostoevsky. A master conversationalist and raconteur, he could discuss a wide range of topics with depth and passion and always had an amusing and enlightening story at the ready.

Music was at the core of Bill’s spirit. A devoted audiophile, he amassed over a thousand vintage vinyl records as well as hundreds of CDs, and an impressive collection of stereo and audio equipment. He taught himself to play the trumpet, flugelhorn, cello, and guitar, and as a child, sang Unchained Melody on both television and radio. He also loved writing and proudly published his novel The Dog Man. His creativity extended into photography, where he captured the beauty of nature and the many places he visited. He especially loved taking family portraits, documenting his grandchildren’s sporting events, and the zoo.

Bill enjoyed many hobbies: flying drones, kayaking, bicycling, weightlifting, aquariums, playing golf, learning about firearms and going to the shooting range, technology, and relaxing with games on his tablet—especially Solitaire. He loved cinema and had an extensive DVD collection, with James Dean as his favorite actor - in fact, he was so impressed with Dean as an artist and cultural figure that he made a pilgrimage to Dean’s childhood home and spoke with his remaining relatives there at great length. His personal encounters with Michael Caine (who he said was as kind and personable in real life as he was onscreen), Robert Redford and Donald Sutherland (on the set of Ordinary People during his tenure at the Chicago Sun Times) and the Reverend Billy Graham (who later recognized him and called him by name) were among his favorite anecdotes. He also enjoyed simple pleasures like Coca-Cola, Milk Duds, ice cream, and especially Stouffer’s Mac & Cheese, which always brought him comfort.

Generosity and adventure were hallmarks of his life. He enjoyed giving thoughtful gifts, donating to charities, and even sponsoring a child in need. He was proud of his memories, including taking his son Brandon on a cherished motorcycle trip to Canada. His sense of humor and playful spirit showed in the funny songs he made up and the selfies he loved to take.

Bill served proudly in the United States Air Force, where he worked in radar while stationed in Germany during the Vietnam era. He enjoyed his professional career which included various roles in direct marketing and sales. He was also very proud of his work as a lifeguard in his youth.

Above all, Bill dearly loved his family. He is survived by his daughters, Elizabeth (Irene) and Cynthia (Michael); his grandchildren Ava, Damon, Joshua, and Ivan; his great-grandson, Knox; his former wife, Annette, with whom he shared a unique lifelong bond rooted in family and enduring care; dear friends Bruce and Trudy; his brother Glen; and many nieces, nephews, cousins, and friends who will miss him greatly. He was preceded in death by his beloved son, Brandon; his parents, Elizabeth and William Sr.; his sisters Linda Lou, Gail, and Betty; his beloved German Shepherd Dog, Max; and his adoring cat, Theodore.

Bill’s life was filled with music, laughter, learning, and love—a legacy that will continue in the hearts of all who knew him.

All services private.