William "Bill" Marshall Pickering Jr, age 86 of Springfield, MO, passed away July 6, 2023 at Ozark Nursing and Care Center, Ozark, MO, surrounded by his wife and children. He was born in Springfield to William Marshall Pickering Sr. and Bernice Lorene (Wooldridge) Pickering.  He married his Drury College sweetheart, Dorothylee Tillman, on June 2, 1957, and they spent 66 years devoted to each other.

Bill attended and served at the First Baptist Church in Rogersville, MO for many years where his children were raised. His faith in Christ was extremely important to him in all aspects of his life. Bill and Dotty were in business in Rogersville, MO for over 30 years. Pickering Supermarket was a fixture in the community where he developed so many friendships with his customers. Because of his faith and his big heart, he would go above and beyond to help someone in need. His kids have so many memories of working in the store where they got to see their father in action.  In addition to his generosity, Bill's boisterous personality and sense of humor is remembered by many.

After selling the store, Bill had a second career of 20 years selling cars at Dennis Hanks Chevrolet in Ozark, where he served even more customers and made new friends. Between his time in church, at the store and the dealership, Bill rarely met a stranger.

Bill's main hobby was showing horses.  He showed Missouri Fox Trotters and Tennessee Walking horses early in their marriage and then picked up the hobby again with his daughters for several years.  Every summer weekend was spent traveling to a nearby town in support of his girl on a horse.

Bill is survived by his wife, Dotty Pickering of Springfield, MO, daughter Cathy Peterson and husband Lance of Nixa, MO, daughter Anne Gill and husband Mark of Ozark, MO, son Matt Pickering and wife Leesa of Ozark, MO; grandchildren Sidney Gill & Preston Bramley, Nathan Peterson, Kaitlynn Peterson, Collin Gill, Will & Beth Pickering, and Cole Pickering, as well as many other family members and friends.

The family would like to express appreciation to the staff of Ozark Nursing and Care Center for their kindness and compassionate care over the last 10 months.

A graveside service will be held Monday, July 10 at 10:30am at Maple Park Cemetery in Springfield, MO. All are welcome to attend.

Arrangements are under the personal care and direction of Gorman Scharpf Funeral Home, Springfield, MO.