William James (Bill) Redd

William James Redd, known to his loved ones as Bill, passed away peacefully on August 4, 2023, at the age of 83, in Auburn, Washington from Cancer.  Born on May 29, 1940, in Oakland, California, the son of Spencer and Angelina Redd. Bill was the eldest son of a German Mexican Catholic family with 7 siblings. He grew up in Oakland, where he tried many recreational activities including basketball, art, cooking, and developed a love for music. Bill had many family members in the music industry including Cousins Pete and Coke Escovedo. The family had many cookouts and jam sessions where famous jazz and soul artists would stop by and play and eat! He was very proud of his “famous” family!

Bill was a jokester with a sense of humor, often surprising and entertaining those around him. He had a charismatic personality that drew people to him. Bill was devoted to his faith and studied with the Jehovah Witnesses, striving to be baptized. He found solace in reading the Bible and ALL his cookbooks, as well as exploring different cuisines and trying new foods from around the world. Cooking was not only a hobby for him but also a passion. 

As a devoted member of the Jehovah Witnesses, Bill found spiritual support and community at the Kingdom Hall of Jehovah Witnesses. In honor of Bill's memory, contributions can be made to JW, a charitable religious organization that held a special place in his heart.

In his earlier years, Bill worked as a professional semi-truck painter at Peterbuilt in the 1960s. During the 1980s to the 2000’s, he pursued a career as a restaurant cook and later became a chef at a retirement home. His culinary skills brought joy and comfort to many. In 2008, Bill retired from his chef job right before the passing of his beloved wife, Lauretta.

Bill's educational journey began at Alameda Elementary and continued at Oakland High School in California where he laid the foundation for his future. 

Bill met his first wife Gladys Solano when he was 21 in Hayward and had 2 boys, Sons Vincent and Stacey. Family was of great importance to Bill. He grew apart from his sons when they moved to NY but still loved them and visited. Vincent has 4 kids and one grandkid. Stacy has 3 kids and 2 grandchildren. 

Later He met his second wife Cordella “Corky” Rose and had his daughter Nicole Michele. Michele has 4 kids and 2 grandchildren that Bill visited and loved so much.

In 1969 Bill met his last wife Lauretta Citro McGinnis, the love of his life, and stayed married until her passing in 2008 with whom he raised 6 kids. Lauretta's children were Laurie W., the oldest, who lived out of the home but had 2 children and 2 grandchildren that Bill got to know. Laurie M. has 3 children and 5 grandchildren. Cathy has 3 children and 11 grandchildren. Angel has 3 children and 9 grandchildren. Mary has 3 children and 2 grandchildren. Billy M. has 1 child. Teresa, the youngest, has no children. 

Bill cherished his relationships with his surviving children and grandchildren. He also greatly loved his 7 siblings. He is survived by his Sister Roberta Valentine, Sister Charlene Stransky, Brother John Redd, and Sister Laurie Ann O’dell.

Bill was preceded in death by his parents, Ann O'dell (Valenzuela) and Spencer Redd, his brother Robert, sister Jeannine, brother Larry, as well as his wives Cordella and Lauretta. Bill also lost his stepchildren Billy M., Laurie M. and Laurie W. before his passing. Their memories will forever remain in the hearts of those who loved them.

Bill will be remembered for his vibrant personality, his love for cooking, and his dedication to his faith. His legacy lives on in the hearts of his family and friends. May he rest in peace.

In his daughter Michele’s words…

My Dads favorite color was blue. He loved foreign foods, Mexican food and Chinese food were his favorites. He loved cooking for everyone that was his love language.

He loved to dance and play his conga.

He loved getting a rise out of you shocking people with his dry humor.

He loved to make people laugh and tell people about Jehovah.

He loved his mother and tried to always impress her.

I reminded my father of Job before he passed. He suffered a lot because Satan wanted him to curse God, but Job wouldn't. 

He was a strong man and a true believer.

Love, Michele 

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