William Howard Castleberry

On September 7, 1940 a beautiful soul entered this world. William Howard Castleberry was the first child born to the union of Willie and Novella (Rakestraw) Castleberry. He transitioned to be with the Lord on July 1st, 2025 after a lengthy illness.

A man of great character, throughout his life William was lovingly known by many names: Billy, Bill, Cast, Gentle Giant, and Castleberry to name a few. In every sphere he was a man who gave his best.

At a young age, he gave his life to Christ during revival at First Baptist Church of Oakley (a church where his grandfather, Charles Castleberry was the founding pastor in 1919). Bill loved Oakley and was a dedicated member, attending faithfully and participating in ministries and activities, until his health prevented him from doing so. He particularly treasured his time in the Young Adult Choir. “Jesus, Be a Fence” was his favorite song to lead. Partnering with childhood friend Lillie Minor Johnson, he led the effort to organize several Oakley Choir reunion concerts beginning in 1995. These concerts brought joy and were a blessing to many. He also served as Director of the Male Chorus for a significant amount of time following in the footsteps of his father, Willie.

A dutiful son, he enjoyed caring for and spending time with his parents fishing, playing cards, bowling, singing, and whatever else they desired to do. Truly, he was his mama’s pride and joy, and was also a dearly loved big brother to his sister, Juanita.

Bill carried a deep fondness for the Madisonville community where he was raised and often spoke fondly of the good times shared among family and friends down on Dunbar. He attended Madisonville Elementary through the 8th grade and later attended Central Vocational High School, graduating in 1959. A 7-time varsity letterman, friends today still talk about the way “Billy could hit that ball”!

Following high school, Bill received a scholarship and attended LeMoyne College, an HBCU in Memphis, Tennessee for a year, before deciding to join the Army on the Buddy plan. Bill proudly served his country for three years and earned recognition as a skilled sharp shooter in the Army. His service to his country continued through his participation in the army reserves until his retirement from service in the late ‘90’s.

Upon leaving active duty he returned home to Cincinnati and began working at the Milacron Milling Machine before beginning his 40 plus year career as an aircraft engine mechanic for General Electric (G.E.) until his retirement. While at G.E. he developed several treasured friendships, among them, Jesse Owens, with whom he remained close to the end.

Bill had a great love for his family and thrived on maintaining familial connections with relatives from all sides, both near and far. In 1968, he married Hazel Malone and to their union, daughter, Rayana Hope was born. Though they parted ways in 1983, he remained a loving, and dedicated father to her children: Gana, and Henry as well,whom he’d adopted as his own.

Years later Bill met and fell in love with Lenora Walker, marrying in 1989. He embraced the role of husband and father with deep love, considering Lenora’s daughter, Jamia, as his own. Later, to their union, son William Jordan Michael was born, of whom Bill was immensely proud. Throughout his life Bill was an exceptional father, and embraced all his children with warmth, compassion, and unwavering support.

Bill was an unselfish man, who offered a sense of belonging to others, and freely shared his life and love with all who knew him. This is evidenced by his accomplishments and participation in a variety of activities and organizations. Among them:
- 53 years in Wesley Smith Masonic Lodge #107 (serving as master of the lodge for a period of time), 32nd degree mason
- Member of Eastern Star
- Martial Arts student, earning 4th degree black belt, in the style of Tang Soo Do, participating in tournaments, and teaching classes for many years.
- 20 plus years Greater Cincinnati Tuskegee Airmen Chapter member, serving as historian for a period of time, designing the first t-shirts for the chapter along with Jesse Owens
- Madisonville Rec Center member- playing cards, pool, and participating in chair volleyball tournaments
- Central/ Courter Tech Former Athletes- “Lunch Bunch” member
- And more!

Bill was a good, generous, and kind man who could be counted on. He poured his heart into everything he did, and if you needed him, he was there. He lived a full life and was a dear soul. We are all better for having known and loved him.

Bill was preceded in death by his parents, Novella and Willie Castleberry, sister, Juanita Castleberry, and nephew Charles Castleberry.

He leaves to cherish his memories, devoted wife of 36 years, Lenora Castleberry; daughters Gana Wood (Japhus), Rayana Castleberry (Mark), Jamia Lewis and son, William JM Castleberry (Eden); Grandchildren: Tristan, Paris, Maresa (Elisha), Levar, Alhana, William Jr., and Eden; 3 Aunts: Ginny Castleberry, Rose Castleberry, Sally Castleberry; Niece: Anitra Castleberry; Brothers, and Sisters- in- love: Patrica Walker, Jennifer Roper (Connell), Gloria Walker, Ta’Lisa Walker; Harold Walker (Charlene), Julia Mason (Gregory), Kevin Walker Sr. (Michele), Donna Walker (Lammar); Special Cousins: Ophelia Graham Wilkinson, Priscilla Burnam, Saundra Graham Jones, Malloy Graham, Randy Anderson, Blanche Castleberry, Linda Castleberry Thomas, and a host of nieces, nephews, other relatives, and friends. Special thanks to cousin Louis Jackson for his faithful care, and loving support during Bill’s illness.

To send flowers to the family or plant a tree in memory of William Howard Castleberry, please visit our floral store.