William Jackson "Bill" Brickerd

William Jackson Brickerd, 75 of McHenry, passed away January 7th at his home. He was born March 28, 1946 in New York, and grew up on Long Island. Bill was an athletic young man, playing baseball, soccer, football and more. He was a stand-out player on the diamond though and was elected to the Hall of Fame for his efforts in high school. After graduation, Bill joined the USAF, serving one term before meeting Patricia. That kinda squashed any further thoughts of re-enlistment and they were married not long after. With that, Bill got an instant family as Pat had six children: two boys and four girls, with the youngest just 2 and the oldest 10. Bill loved and raised those children as his very own. He had thoughts of becoming a truant officer and decided to go to college, but didn't complete the program. Bill was the type to work wherever he could and do whatever he had to do to provide for the family. He has walked or hitch-hiked to work many times over the years and worked at several different places. In 1977 the family moved to South Mississippi where Bill went to work at Ingall's as a painter. He spent some time at Avondale as well, but worked for many years for Braden Pump & Well. Later in life, Bill went to work for the Stone County Road Dept., operating the "boom ax" until his retirement in 2008. He is remembered as a loveable "teddy bear" of a man. Not one to fuss and fight, Bill was a dedicated and easy going family man. He was also community minded, serving on the McHenry Volunteer Fire Department with his wife Pat for several years. He loved the outdoors and would take the family camping on rivers and lakes as often as possible. He will be sadly missed and fondly remembered by all who knew and loved him. He was preceded by his parents, his loving wife Pat, two children, daughters Rosamond and Sadie Bright, his brother Albert and sister Florence. Left to cherish his memories are: his biological son born in England, Terry Lee Brickerd of TX; his remaining four step-children, Walter (Brenda) Fendley and Constance (Willie) Jordan, both of McHenry, Patti Netherton of Nashville, TN, and Jazz Bright (Mary Durham), also of McHenry; his grandson Billy Netherton who is also a US Army veteran and retiree, granddaughters April Hughes and Angela Fendley, which are part of the more than twenty-eight grand and great-grandchildren. Bill also leaves behind some extended family whom he had lost contact with over the years, along with numerous friends and neighbors. His final wishes were to be cremated, which his family is honoring, and a memorial service will be held at a later date when both he and Pat are interred at Biloxi National Cemetery. Trinity Funeral Services is honored to serve the Brickerd family in this time of need. Please keep the family in your thoughts and prayers over the coming days.

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