William "Bill" Gathings, Sr.

William “Bill” Gathings, Sr., 85, passed away peacefully on Sunday, April 6, 2025, surrounded by family, joining the love of his life, Georgia Carol, in eternal rest. Born on March 24, 1940, in Midway, North Carolina, Bill lived a full and meaningful life grounded in love, faith, and deep devotion to his family.

After reconnecting with Georgia Carol, they were married on August 31, 1987, and together they built a beautiful life in Derby, Kansas. Their union brought together a blended family of seven children: Candy (Ray) Buffington, Bill Gathings, Jr., Gena (Jim) Everett, Michael, Andy McFayden, Matt (Ashley) McFayden, and Ronald D. (Beverly) McFayden, Jr. As a husband, father, and grandfather, Bill was steady, kind, and always present with a gentle smile and a warm heart.

To his loved ones, Bill was more than a father figure, he was a source of strength and wisdom. He had a quiet way of leading with grace, making everyone feel supported and safe. Whether offering practical advice, lending a helping hand, or simply sitting in quiet conversation, Bill’s presence was a gift. The United States Air Force was his passion, and he served his country proudly for 29 years. He worked hard throughout his life and was a man of immense integrity.

Bill was preceded in death by his beloved wife, Georgia Carol Ingram Gathings; his parents, William Collier and Ada Burr Gathings; and several cherished siblings and relatives. He is survived by his seven children; fourteen grandchildren; nine great-grandchildren; and many dear friends and extended family members who will carry his memory in their hearts.

A celebration of life service will take place at Cozine Life Events Center, located at 11500 East Twenty-First Street North, Wichita, Kansas, on Friday, April 11, 2025, at 10:30 AM. (Formal remarks at 11:00 AM.) A visitation will be held Friday, April 18, 2025, from 12:30 until 1:30 PM at Moody Funeral Home, located at 206 West Pine Street in Mount Airy, North Carolina, followed by a graveside service at Holy Cross Missionary Baptist Church, located at 344 York Road in Mount Airy, North Carolina, at 2:00 PM. At the conclusion of the graveside service, military honors will be conducted by the VFW Memorial Honor Guard.

Flowers are welcome, or donations may be made in Bill’s memory to the WSU Tech Foundation to support scholarships for students pursuing technical careers. Contributions can be made online at wsutech.edu/Gathings or sent to WSU Tech Foundation, ATTN: Bill Gathings Memorial Fund, 4004 North Webb Road, Wichita, KS 67226.

Rest easy, Bill. You are reunited with your sweetheart, and your love lives on in all of us.