Billy J. Rickard

October 24, 1936 - January 15, 2019

Billy J. Rickard, age 82, of Edwardsville, Illinois, passed away at 8:24 p.m. on January 15, 2019, at Missouri Baptist Hospital in St. Louis. He was born October 24, 1936, in Hansen, Kentucky, the son of the late Willie & Vada Lee (Smith) Rickard. Billy was an owner operator in the trucking business for may years. He married his wife of 63 years, Shirley Ann Hayhurst, June 24, 1955, at the Immanuel Presbyterian Church in Evansville, Indiana. Shirley preceded him in death on April 27, 2018. Billy is survived by his son, Randy R. Rickard of Holiday Shores; two daughters Cindy Grogan & Mike of Edwardsville, Vicky Hammond & husband Jay of Chesterfield, Missouri; grandchildren, Abbey & Justin Wandel, Brittney Rickard, Callie & Travis Paige, Megan & Matt Haven, and Matthew Mueller; great grandchildren, Avery & Emersyn Haven, Ellyana Paige; brother, Earle Rickard of Indiana; and a sister, Cheryl Kunkel & husband Brian of Texas. He was preceded in death by his daughter, Kimberly Mueller, and sister, Hope Darlene Austin. Billy loved his family, working in the yard and working on cars. He was also a member of the Bethalto Christian Church in Bethalto, Illinois. Visitation will be held from 4 p.m. to 8 p.m. on Tuesday, January 22, 2019, at Weber & Rodney Funeral Home in Edwardsville. The funeral service will be held at 11 a.m. on Wednesday, January 23, 2019, at the Bethalto Christian Church with Rev. Tony Jackson & Elder Dave Wilkerson officiating. Burial will be at St. James Cemetery in Edwardsville. The family request memorials to the Bethalto Christian Church.