Ronnie “Bill” Gilkerson, age 79, of Ozark, passed away on September 17, 2021. He was born February 21, 1942, in Falls City, NE, the son of Paul and Mary (King) Gilkerson.
After graduating from high school, Bill went to cosmetology school and became a hairdresser.
On July 2, 1961, Bill was united in marriage to the love of his life, Kay Jo (Little.)
In 1972 he moved from Falls City to become the Ranch Manager for the Valley Y Ranch in Paola, KS and later in Cassville, MO. Over the years, he held several jobs, including school bus driving, shoe repair and maintenance supervisor for Miracle Recreation and Tracker Marine.
In 1974 he accepted Jesus as his Savior and his life was forever changed. Beginning in 1976, Bill served as pastor of many churches in southern Missouri. For the past 19 years, he had been a pastor for One Accord Free Will Baptist Church in Nixa.
Bill was a devoted and loving husband, Dad, Grandpa and “Grandpa Great,” brother, son, uncle and friend. In his free time, he enjoyed spending time with his family, hunting, fishing and watching bull riding, Westerns, the Chiefs and Nebraska football on T.V. His family cared for him during his last months, allowing him to stay in the home.
Survivors include his wife, Kay Jo Gilkerson of Ozark; daughter, Jodi Stone and husband Greg of Reeds Spring; son in law, Bruce Glaser of Mt. Vernon; grandchildren, Levi Glaser of Mt. Vernon, Misty Glaser of Cassville, Casey Stone of Chicago, Andrew Stone of Springfield, Lizabeth Shively and husband Jesse of Webb City, great-grandchildren, Rilan JoAnn, and Raxon Shively; and his brother, Dick Gilkerson and wife Judy of Falls City.
Bill was preceded in death by his parents; and a daughter, Monta Rae Glaser.
A funeral service was held at 11:00 A.M., Monday, September 20, 2021, at Adams Funeral Home, Nixa, with Pastor Jerry Nickle and Pastor Ronnie Fieker officiating. Private burial was at Gunter Cemetery, Butterfield.
