William Frederick Wilding III

Surrounded by his beloved daughters and son-in-law, William Frederick Wilding III passed away peacefully on December 19, 2025 in the Palliative Care Unit at Baptist Health Louisville. Bill bravely departed this earthly world in just the way he wished.
Bill was married to Joyce Keefe Wilding, the love of his life, for 52 years. She preceded him in death in 2023. They have two daughters, Ginger and Katie, who inherited his humor, determination, and natural curiosity.
Born in Louisville to William F. Wilding II and Evelyn Gordon Wilding on June 14, 1943, Bill was a Flag Day baby who shared his birthday with his Mother. Bill's Father was stationed in England during WWII when he was born. Bill was three years old when his Father returned from service and met him for the first time.
From the time he was young, Bill was the life of the party - no matter the location or reason for the party. He spoke fondly of many important and formative experiences he had while a student in the first graduating class at Seneca High School in Louisville. He also was a proud graduate of Western Kentucky University. By his own account, it took him a bit longer to graduate with his diploma. Again he was the life of every party.
Bill forged and maintained important friendships and professional relationships throughout his life. He and his wife Joyce formed many special friendships in their early 20s that remained through the remainder of their lives.
Bill was deeply loved, admired, and a buddy to all. While he and Joyce had two children, arguably Bill's first 'child' was his red 1967 Austin-Healey BJ8 3000, which he purchased in 1971. He enjoyed this British classic until the end, devoting countless hours to maintaining his special 'toy'.
He and Joyce spent decades enjoying time traveling the country on amazing trips with their Austin-Healey Club and British Car Club friends. More than friends, these folks became family.
Most importantly, Bill's roles as husband, father, and grandfather were his greatest personal accomplishments and made him so proud.
Throughout his life, Bill held a strong personal relationship with God, and became a Catholic later in life. A 1961 graduate of Seneca High School and later Western Kentucky University, Bill spent the majority of his career working with agricultural companies. He became a Realtor in his retirement, which he truly enjoyed. Bill was a proud Army veteran, serving in Vietnam from 1967-1968.
Left to cherish Bill's memory are Ginger Wilding Cloud (Chan) and Katie Wilding; grandchildren Phoebe, Charlotte, William and Leif; special friend Donna Hiltzman; brother Ernie Wilding and sister-in-law Mary Wilding; brother-in-law Donald J. Keefe and sister-in-law Janis Keefe; a host of beloved nieces and nephews; and an abundance of wonderful, decades-long friends.
Visitation will take place on Sunday, January 11 from 1:00 to 6:00 p.m. at Ratterman Brothers Funeral Home East, 12900 Shelbyville Rd. in Middletown. A funeral Mass will be held at 10:00 a.m. the next day in the Chapel at St. Aloysius Catholic Church in Pewee Valley. Burial to follow at Calvary Cemetery.
In lieu of flowers, the Wilding family asks anyone wishing to honor Bill's memory consider donations in support of the Palliative Care Unit at Baptist Health Louisville. Their team of caring nurses and many other compassionate professionals comforted and guided Bill's family in his final days. Indicate donations In Memory of William F. Wilding through the Baptist Health Foundation (Louisville), re: Palliative Care Unit