William Jefferies, age 89, of Richmond, died Monday evening (May 19, 2014) at his residence. He was born on December 27, 1924 in Lewisville, Indiana to Grover Cleveland and Rena Weir Jefferies and had lived in this area all of his life. Bill was a World War II veteran serving in the 2nd Marine Division. He failed his first enlistment physical due to low weight and was told to go home, eat bananas and drink water before returning the next day. He passed the physical the next day (at age 17). He served in four campaigns in the Pacific: Tinian, Tarawa, Saipan and Okinawa and was awarded the Silver Star on Saipan. He was a Life member of the Marine Corp League where he founded the local Toys for Tots Program. He was a charter member of the American Legion and a member of the VFW. He was a retired salesman for the former Dietzen's Bakery. Survivors include his wife, Marcella Jefferies, whom he married August 31, 1946; son, Rick (Kathleen) Jefferies of Louisville, Colorado; daughter, Priscilla (John, deceased) Richardson of Ocala, Florida; seven grandchildren, Kimberly Lumpkes (John), Shawn Lamore (Randy), Michelle White (Chris), Jason Jefferies, Aaron Jefferies, Elizabeth Cather (Steve), Michael Jefferies (Asna); eight great grandchildren, 1 great great grandchild, nieces and nephews. In addition to his parents, he was preceded in death by his son, Mark Jefferies, sisters Jean Strait, Margaret "Peggy" Owen; brothers Charles, George "Bud", James, Chester and Grover Jefferies. Services will be conducted at 11:00 a.m. on Friday (May 23, 2014) in Riggle - Waltermann Mortuary. Burial will be in Glen Haven Memorial Gardens where military graveside services will be conducted by the Wayne County Honor Guard. Friends may call on Thursday (May 22, 2014) from 4:00 p.m. to 7:00 p.m. at the funeral home. Memorial contributions may be made to Toys for Tots, in care of the Marine Corp League, 200 South 9th St., Richmond, IN 47374. www.riggle-waltermann.com