William L. “Bill” Rider, of Spring Mills, passed away unexpectedly at his home on June 24, 2025. He was 65. Born September 23, 1959, in Bellefonte, Bill was a son of the late Ernest L. Rider and Nancy J. (Lyons) Rider. He was a 1978 graduate of Penns Valley Area High School and the former Centre County Vo-Tech School where he studied welding.
Bill was employed at the former Piper Aircraft in Lock Haven until they shut down. He then went to Penn State University where he worked as a lead welder before retiring with twenty-five plus years of service. Some of his favorite hobbies were working on cars, playing darts, hunting and fishing. Bill enjoyed being outdoors, especially riding his four-wheeler, hiking and bird watching. His favorite activity of all was hanging out with family and friends and watching Penn State football.
In addition to his mother Nancy, Bill is survived by one daughter, Christina Rider: one son, Zachary Rider and four sisters, Vicki Gilbert (Bill), Sonja Rider Evans, Karen Rider and Tess Rider. In addition to his father Ernest, Bill was preceded in death by his brother, Timothy “Butch” Rider.
Contributions in memory of Bill may be given to the Gregg Township Fire Company. A Celebration of Life service may be announced at a later date.