Hollingsworth Jr., William J. 1930-2024 St. Joseph, Mo.
By NewsPress Now
William “Bill” Jewell Hollingsworth Jr., 94 years of age, passed away Sunday, Dec. 22, 2024, surrounded by his family. Born on July 30, 1930, in St. Joseph. Bill was a long-time resident of Maryville, Missouri.
Bill was a graduate of Benton High School and dedicated his life to serving his community and country. Bill worked as a tractor mechanic for Massey-Harris before serving honorably in the United States Army and embarking on a distinguished 32-year career with the Missouri State Highway Patrol. Bill also served on the board of the Missouri Association of State Troopers Emergency Relief Society (MASTERS) for many years.
Bill was a lifetime member of the Methodist faith serving in many capacities within the church. Bill was a member of the Nodaway County Masonic Lodge #470 AF & AM where he was a 33rd degree Mason as well as a member of the Scottish Rite, York Rite, and Moila Shrine fraternities of St Joseph. His dedication to the Masonic community was evident by 67 years in the Blue Lodge where he served as District Deputy Grand Lecturer (DDGL) for 37 years and past District Deputy Grand Master (DDGM) of the 7th Masonic District.
Bill was preceded in death by his parents, William Jewell Sr. and Mary (Costin) Hollingsworth; his beloved wife, Carol (James) Hollingsworth; his daughter, Renee Coverdell; and his brother, Charles Hollingsworth.
He is survived by children, Deborah Hargis of St. Joseph, Juledene (Rodney) Coverdell of Kansas City, Missouri, and Clay (Lynda) Hollingsworth of Maitland, Missouri; seven grandchildren, Wendy Hargis, Cody (Kodi) Hargis, Allison (Luke) Armstrong, Brooke (Justin) Montague, Tyler (Karoline) Coverdell, Amanda (Cody) Moyers, and Michael (Ashley) Hollingsworth; and 14 great-grandchildren. He also leaves behind his long-time friend, Alice Hersh.
Visitation will be held at Bram Funeral Home in Maryville, on Friday, Dec. 27, 2024, from 5 to 7 p.m.
A Masonic service will be held promptly following the visitation.
A funeral service will take place at the same location on Saturday, Dec. 28, 2024, at 10 a.m.
Burial will be at Sparta Methodist Church Cemetery, Faucett, Missouri.
In lieu of flowers, donations may be made online to Missouri Association of State Troopers Emergency Relief Society (MASTERS), Tunnel To Towers at Tunnel to Towers Foundation, 2361 Hylan Boulevard, Staten Island, NY 10306, or a charity of your choice.
To order memorial trees or send flowers to the family in memory of William J. “Bill” Hollingsworth, Jr., please visit our flower store. As published in the St. Joseph News-Press.
