William Joe Risner

William Joe Risner, 66, of Akron, Indiana passed away surrounded by his girls at 6:21 am, Saturday, Oct. 16, 2021 at his residence. Joe was born on Aug. 23, 1955 in Prestonsburg, Kentucky to the late William “Willie” and Helen K. (Adams) Risner. He married on Feb. 12 1977 in Silver Lake, Indiana to Billie Lu Gillespie, she survives. Joe proudly served his country in the U.S. Air Force station at the 122nd Fighter Wing of Ft. Wayne, Ind. He served for 30 years retiring in 2014. During his active duty he served as Chief of Supply in Balad, Iraq and he was also deployed through his years in Qatar and Iraq. He was an active part of Operation Desert Storm and Operation Iraqi Freedom. After retirement he wanted to stay active. He assisted the Fulton County Sheriff's department as a Correctional Officer. As a young man he grew up in Floyd County, Kentucky. He ran the hills barefoot in Ruff and Tuff Holler. He and his family traveled back and forth to Indiana for work. In elementary school his family settled in the Sydney area. Then they moved to Silver Lake, where he would first meet his future wife Billie. He loved Taekwondo, and he was a fifth degree black belt. He ran a school in North Manchester and Akron, where he was instrumental in many children’s lives. He was an avid traveler. He loved camping with family. Every year they took the entire family on a vacation. He and his wife travelled all around the world, which included Mexico and Italy. Joe’s love for riding started many years ago. He showed up on his first date with Billie on a motorcycle. He rode all kinds and brands of motorcycles. His last bike was a teel Harley-Davidson trike. He loved to take motorcycle trips down to Brown County. He also enjoyed rebuilding golf carts in his spare time. Joe is survived by his wife Billie Risner of Akron; daughters Nicole (Albert) Gutierrez of Akron and Stacey Hoxie; grandchildren Emma, Dylon, Elizabeth, Bella, Gavin, Axel, and Frankie; siblings James (Barb) Risner, Drema (Todd) Montgomery of Burket, Debbie (Mike) Jensen of Hamlet, Danny (Donna) Risner of Warsaw; and sister-in-law Irene Risner; and 12 nieces and nephews. He was preceded in death by his parents and a brother Paul Risner. The funeral service will be held at 11:00 am, Saturday, Oct. 23, 2021 at Hartzler Funeral Home 305 West Rochester Street Akron, Indiana with Pastor Tim Lee officiating. Military honors will be performed at the Lakeview Cemetery, Silver Lake, Indiana. The visitation hours will be from 4:00 pm to 7:00 pm, Friday, Oct. 22, 2021 at Hartzler Funeral Home, Akron, Indiana. Memorial contributions can be made to the donor's choice of animal shelter in Joe's memory.

William Joe Risner

August 23, 1955 - October 16, 2021