It is with a heavy heart that we announce the passing of William “Bill” Ronald Markham Sr., a treasured husband, father, grandfather, great-grandfather, sibling, and friend. William, fondly known as Bill, went to be with his Lord and Savior in Chillicothe, Ohio, on Monday, November 2, 2026, at the age of 74.
Bill was born on Saturday, February 16, 1952, in Gallipolis, Ohio, to William and Betty (Jackson) Markham. On September 1, 2007, he married Janet Ruth Strennen.
A proud graduate of Jackson High School, class of 1970, Bill dedicated 31 years of his professional life as a Corrections Officer at CCI, where he was not only a committed employee but also served with distinction as a member of the CCI Honor Guard.
Bill was a man of faith, deeply involved in his community as a member of the First Church of Chillicothe. His kind heart and gentle spirit touched all who knew him.
He leaves behind his beloved wife, Janet R. (Strennen) Markham, children: Bill Ronald (Holly) Markham Jr., Penny Lynn (Evan) Acton, Christina (Paul) Minney, Carolyn (Steve) Everidge-Frey, Cathryn (Shane) Everidge-Shaw, and April (Brian) Thornton. Bill was a cherished grandfather to Isaac Markham, Emily Bell, Aerial Stansbury, Keirra Stansbury, Candice Stevens-Acton, Casey (Josh) Lansing, Clinton Minney, Caitlin (Dustin) Blevins, Lake Shaw, Stone Frey, Ava Stanhope, and Wesley Stanhope. His legacy continues through his great-grandchildren, Owen Henson, Harper Henson, Emma Ruth Henson, Brilynn Lansing, Zaiden Lansing, Adler Blevins, and Jaren Steinbrook. He is also survived by siblings, Tolby Markham, Madeline Moyers, Phila Sue (John) Wilbur, Ricketta (David) Shoemaker, and Sherry (Curt) Tatman. He will also be sadly missed by his many other family and friends. He was preceded in death by his father William Eugene Markham, sister Dreama Caroll, sister-in-law Pam Markham, and brother-in-law Eddie Moyers.
Bill held a special bond with his dear friends, Eddie and Chuck McGhee, who were like family to him.
In remembrance of Bill Ronald Markham Sr., let us celebrate the life he lived, the love he shared, and the legacy he leaves behind. His memory will forever be cherished by all who knew and loved him.
Family and friends are invited to pay their respects at a visitation on Saturday, November 7, 2026, from 11:00 am to 1:00 pm at Haller Funeral Home & Crematory in Chillicothe, Ohio. A funeral service will follow at 1:00 pm to honor and celebrate Bill's life followed by burial at Greenlawn Cemetery.
Full service details and the family guest book are available at Haller Funeral Home & Crematory.