ForeverMissed
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This memorial website was created in the memory of our dear sweet Father, William R. Threlkeld, 84, born on April 15, 1929 and passed away on July 6, 2013. 

July 6, 2023
July 6, 2023
I will be eternally grateful for Bill's faith in me. My memories of Bill revolve more around his kindness than fishing, but I am happy that we can look forward to sharing with Bill life in a new heaven and earth that will surely be full of trout streams!

Thank you, Joy and family, for providing us this forum to remind us, not just of Bill's life so very well lived, but of the way his kindness and grace touched our hearts.
July 5, 2023
July 5, 2023
Joy reminds me it's been 10 years. Thank you, Bill, for the gift of yourself, your manner of life and your whole family that are still making a difference decades later. You and the time with your family are some of my most dear memories and blessings. I will always be grateful.
April 15, 2023
April 15, 2023
Bill's birthday is a great occasion to fondly remember the way he loved people so very warmly, from the heart. His is a wonderful legacy of, not just fond memories, but hearts touched.
April 15, 2022
April 15, 2022
I will be forever grateful for Bill's faith in me. "Love believes all things!" (1 Cor. 13)
July 6, 2019
July 6, 2019
I have, to a great extent, Bill to thank for the fact that I have the joy of ministering to men in Oregon prisons. Bill envisioned and inaugurated the Missionary Associate program almost 40 years ago, and Bill believed in me when I submitted my application to be a Missionary Associate in the Philippines. I enjoyed almost 30 years working with the Navs in the Philippines, and now have the joy of encouraging and equipping laborers in Oregon prisons. God is at work behind prison walls; Bill has a part in that exciting work, and I am grateful!
April 15, 2019
April 15, 2019
The world is a better place for Bill's having so warmly cared for people, and I am grateful.
July 9, 2018
July 9, 2018
Bill invested his life in people and the Word of God.
July 6, 2018
July 6, 2018
Anytime a tribute is left it means so much to us, his daughters. We miss him beyond words but know he is with God in heaven. Probably enjoying some fishing up there, too! So miss fishing with daddy- happiest memories.
July 6, 2018
July 6, 2018
I was, just this very morning, was reminded of Bill's wonderful legacy when I opened an article entitled "Putting Evangelism in Your Lifestyle" on NavPress' "The Disciplemaker" website. I had finished the article, and thought to myself, "What a great description of how to make Christ known in a winsome way!" when I discovered (in the attribution at the end of the article) that the article was authored by none other than Bill Threlkeld. What a fitting way to remember Bill's love for the Lord and the winsome ways that he passed on to others his love for the Savior! Bill is missed, but his legacy lives right on!
April 15, 2018
April 15, 2018
To leave thoughts about one of my dearest brothers (and, practically, an earthly father figure) in Christ is, well ... very difficult for me to describe in a short tribute. I can think of no other person who lived out the love and passion for people as much as Bill, as he sought to allow Christ to be seen in and through his life, daily. But, even these words aren't representative of the impact he had in my life. His Christ-centered example, shown to me, while he was the husband to Anne, and the Dad to Debra, Patti, and Joy, is a lasting example that encourages me in loving and raising my own family. It's amazing how one person's influence, surrendered to Christ, can continue to teach and encourage another over the years. My heart-felt gratitude goes to Bill and his family. Bill's gentle and kind smile is etched in my memories of those Colorado days. What a loving encourager !!!
April 15, 2018
April 15, 2018
You were an instrument of grace in the lives of many.
April 15, 2018
April 15, 2018
Bill believed in me when others weren't so sure. (When I expressed appreciation, he always attributed that faith in me to a word from the Holy Spirit or God Himself.)

"Love believes..." (1 Cor. 13)

I will be forever grateful.
April 15, 2017
April 15, 2017
I will always remember Bill with fondness and with respect for the way the genuineness of his love for the Lord was reflected in his love for people.
April 15, 2017
April 15, 2017
It is hard to believe it has been four years since his passing. I still miss him but know that heaven is a better place because he is there. The way things are going in this world, maybe we will see him soon. His bicycle joke still makes me laugh when I think of the way he shared it. God bless you, Bill.
April 15, 2017
April 15, 2017
Whenever I see Bills picture it brings a smile to my face. He had such a gentle spirit that people were drawn to him and most never left without hearing the real Easter story. "The grave, the cross, the sky, hallelujah"!
April 15, 2016
April 15, 2016
Happy birthday Bill. I know you are having the time of your life
Dave & Terri
April 16, 2015
April 16, 2015
I'm looking forward to seeing Bill again and if there trout streams in heaven I'm sure he will know where they all are.
April 15, 2015
April 15, 2015
I will always be grateful for Bill's kindness and his eagerness to be a blessing. His is a wonderful legacy of blessing many.
July 12, 2014
July 12, 2014
I'm looking forward to introducing Bill to friends in heaven to whom he has been a blessing, but whom he has not yet met personally -- men and women to whom Hannah and I ministered in the Philippines, thanks to the huge part that Bill played in enabling me to go to the Philippines as a Missionary Associate.
July 11, 2014
July 11, 2014
I think of Bill a lot. I like the idea that someone shared that he has just had his first birthday in heaven!
July 6, 2014
July 6, 2014
Happy Birthday, Bill!! A year ago your new life began in heaven. What joy you must be surrounded in!! Can't wait to see you....and, the way the world is going, that could be very soon. We must all get ready for what is coming. I miss you and the wise words you shared whenever I needed help.

Pam
April 19, 2014
April 19, 2014
I will remain forever grateful to Bill for his gracious and generous spirit that enabled me to go to the Philippines as a Missionary Associate, and to spend almost 30 wonderful years working with the Navs there. I don't think it would have happened without him!

I am sure looking forward to seeing him again!
April 15, 2014
April 15, 2014
Oh, I miss my sweet, sweet Daddy. He loved me so unconditionally, he loved all of us so unconditionally.
I took the day off today and wondered what would I do in thinking of him today and then the email popped up reminding me of the forevermissed site. 
I recently donated their car- the old Lincoln that had 176K miles and he just loved it. He had such simple needs. That car looked like it was brand new!
After searching for reputable donation sites I came across the Boy Scouts of America. Most of you may not know that Daddy was the first Eagle Scout in his town and county in Florida. Long story short I contact BSA national headquarters then Jacksonville, FL regional headquarters down to a sweet retired man that oversees the BSA Chapter in the town of Dunnellon. 
He was a great help and we were able to direct all funds from the auction of the car directly to the Dunnellon troop. There is still a lot of poverty in town and they told me no one has ever donated anything to them. They're having a little ceremony to tell the boys about Dad and the donation that will go to help underpriviledged boys pay for uniforms, handbooks and be able to attend camps. 
The man is also researching old records about Daddy and passing along information- so sweet of him.
Thank you all for your outpouring of kindness when Daddy passed and all the sentiments that you so kindly wrote on this site and in cards that were sent to our family.

I Love You Daddy and celebrate the day you were born- the greatest blessing in my life. A blessing that words cannot communicate.
July 28, 2013
July 28, 2013
Dear Anne, Deborah, Patty, and Joy,
I'm sorry for the loss of your dear husband and daddy - know you will miss him greatly.
Bill was such an encourager. His love for Jesus was contagious. A favorite memory was his song leading in our large group meetings at UT. Always think of him when we sing When I Survey the Wondrous Cross.
July 24, 2013
July 24, 2013
Dear Anne, Debra, Joy and Patty,
Bill marked people's lives and that's true for Terri and me. Everyone who knew him will miss him. Bill was a "one of a kind". I will always cherish and remember going to TN football games with Bill and listening to him sing along when the national anthem was played. We're thinking and praying for each of you as you grieve your loss.
July 12, 2013
July 12, 2013
I owe Bill a deep debt of gratitude (I'll be he would use the Tagalog: "utang na loob"). His faith in me as an aspiring Missionary Associate opened the door for me to spend almost 30 years working with the Navs in the Philippines. 

What an encourager! I'm looking forward to seeing him again and to thanking him face-to-face!
July 12, 2013
July 12, 2013
All of you are on my heart and in my prayers. Joy, Patti and Debra, your daddy, along with your mother, were my spiritual advisors for so many years, I can't even remember how far back. I could always depend on them to help me through hard times. I also remember your daddy's humor. I still have to laugh when I think of him telling "the bicycle joke"!!
July 11, 2013
July 11, 2013
Bill and Anne brought many moments of joy into my life, and later after marrying into Gail's and my life. Bill was ever joyful, always with a word of encouragement and challenge, and dedicated to sharing Christ with others. He has gone to a better place! Though we cannot see him he will see us, and he will be praying for us. Thanks Bill for all you meant to so many.
July 11, 2013
July 11, 2013
Dear Anne, Deborah, Patty and Joy,
Hank and I are so sad for the loss of your dad. He was a wonderful man, loving father and husband, Godly mentor, friend of Jesus, enthusiastic evangelist, joyful in all things, extrodinary among men. Heaven has just gotten even better because he is there. "Precious in the sight of the Lord is the death of His godly ones." Ps 116:15
July 10, 2013
July 10, 2013
Dear Friends and Family~

On behalf of our family we will treasure any comments, condolences or stories you share.
July 10, 2013
July 10, 2013
My heart goes out to you and your entire family I'm so sorry for your loss. I hope you find comfort in the flicker of a memory, the words of a song that seems meant just for you. I hope you notice all the little signs that you're being held close and cared about more than ever right now. Remember there are no good-byes we will all meet again one day.
July 10, 2013
July 10, 2013
Every day you are on my heart and in my prayers.
I trust the Lord's blessed assurance to ease your burden and lift your
sprits through these difficult days.
May you find strength and comfort in His powerful love.

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Recent Tributes
July 6, 2023
July 6, 2023
I will be eternally grateful for Bill's faith in me. My memories of Bill revolve more around his kindness than fishing, but I am happy that we can look forward to sharing with Bill life in a new heaven and earth that will surely be full of trout streams!

Thank you, Joy and family, for providing us this forum to remind us, not just of Bill's life so very well lived, but of the way his kindness and grace touched our hearts.
July 5, 2023
July 5, 2023
Joy reminds me it's been 10 years. Thank you, Bill, for the gift of yourself, your manner of life and your whole family that are still making a difference decades later. You and the time with your family are some of my most dear memories and blessings. I will always be grateful.
April 15, 2023
April 15, 2023
Bill's birthday is a great occasion to fondly remember the way he loved people so very warmly, from the heart. His is a wonderful legacy of, not just fond memories, but hearts touched.
Recent stories

Bill and Family

January 10, 2015
by Ed Klug

   I met Bill and Ann thru their daughter Joy, They were at our wedding watching their daughter sing for us.
Because of our relationship with Joy, Bill and Ann had us over for dinner for holidays or just because days. There were a few time where we had no plans for the weekend and they where having the whole family to the house and we were blessed to be a part of that reunion.   
We sat and talked about life and about the Lord, we talked about their past and their hopes of the future. We talked about scripture and were blessed to have a Bible study for a short time at their house.
Bill was a believer in iron sharpening iron. One Brother holding another up before the Lord. And our relationship allowed for me talking and looking for advice from him and the other way around.
He wasn't above hearing what the Lord needed him to hear from someone younger than him and That has always helped me to be available to hear something from someone younger than me.
If you new Bill, you new he loved to tell jokes. He was the only man I knew who could tell Clean Jokes for 4 hours straight.  Because of those jokes I was able to lighten someones day. I worked with multiple people every day, and when it was put on my heart I would say to them just before leaving. Clean joke of the day. They would look at me and say OK with a look on their face. We would both laugh after the joke and I would go on my way to the next job chuckling having told one of Bills jokes.

July 10, 2013

Our first encounter with Bill and Ann was when they worked with Tha Navigators many years ago.  Bill was so creative working to establish short term missions and a department for that.  Jack appreciated his great work to do that as well.  
          We so appreciate the ministry and insight and blessing of Bill's life through many years... of both of them really.  We are looking forward to much "catching up"  when we arrive in Heaven.
         May God comfort you, his family, and Ann his precious wife.  With our love,  Jack and Carole 

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