William J. "Bill" Craddock, 73, of McLeansboro, died at 1:20 p.m. on Wednesday, November 5, 1997, at his home. He was a retired oil field driller.
He was born on March 10, 1924, in Galatia, a son of Frank and Goldie L. (Dye) Craddock. He married Dena Rose Mitchell on December 11, 1948 in Morganfield, Ky., and she survives. he was a lifetime member of benton VFW Post #2671, the McLeansboro American Legion Post #106 and the McLeansboro Eagles Lodge.
The funeral was at 1:00 p.m. on Friday, November 7, 1997, at Gholson Funeral Home of McLeansboro. The Rev. Robert Sefried and Rev. Jason Craddock officiated. Burial was in Hopewell Cemetery in McLeansboro with graveside military rites by American Legion Post #106.
Mr. Craddock is survived by his wife Dena Rose Craddock of McLeansboro; three sons, James E. Craddock and wife Sandy of McLeansboro, Mark F. Craddock and wife Cheryl of McLeansboro and Charles W. Craddock and wife Vickie of Norris City; one daughter, Bille Welch and husband Christopher of McLeansboro; two brothers, Eugene Craddock and Ray Craddock, both of McLeansboro; one sister, Bessie Ritchason of McLeansboro; five grandchildren, Jason, James, William Daniel Craddock and Jordan Welch; two great-grandchildren, Whitney and Brandon Craddock.
He was preceded in death by his parents, brothers Glen and Arvie Ewell Graddock and sister Anne Helen Smith.