William F. Rader Jr.

Beloved William (Bill) Franklin Rader Jr. left for heaven on February 18, 2017 at age 75 in San Diego. He is with his parents William Franklin Rader and Jessie Mabel (Roeser) Rader, younger brother Jack Wesley Rader, and first great grandson Grayson Glavin.

Bill was deeply loyal to and passionate about his family, friends, and our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ. He was a loving husband and father. Bill took great interest in people and their talents. He was especially compassionate to the elderly, children, and those less fortunate. Bill had a strong spirit and fought for what he believed was right.

Bill is survived by Linda Luffee Luther, his wife and domestic parter of 42 years, and his 5 children Kimberly Ann Walski, William Franklin Rader III, Daniel Brian Rader, Scott David Rader, and Rebecca Jane Kleist. He has 9 grandchildren.

Bill was born and raised in San Diego and graduated from San Diego High. His parents met in high school and graduated from Hoover High in San Diego.

Bill’s passion for automobiles began as a youth. He obtained a Master Mechanic’s license in California and eventually managed his own Standard Oil service station dealership and auto repair shop on India Street in San Diego in the ‘60s. Bill moved to Tacoma, Washington in 1978 and managed his two Mobil Oil service station dealerships for several years before opening his own auto repair shops in Spanaway and Eatonville. He could sell anything and received retail sales awards from Mobil Oil and Pochel Auto Parts. From 1986-87, Bill sponsored his best friend and Nascar race car driver Steve Olson by donating money to Olson Racing.

Bill’s childhood glory days were playing football with legendary quarterback Ezell Singleton and the Cavers team at San Diego High 1956-58. Bill played center, guard, and linebacker coached by Duane Maley. Bill earned wrestling and football scholarships. He accepted a football scholarship to the University of Colorado but, after graduating high school, chose to start a family and automotive career.

Bill returned to San Diego November 2016 for nursing care and hospice care under the supervision of Kaiser Hospice and Linda Luther. Those wishing to donate in his memory may contribute to Kaiser Hospice of San Diego at 619-641-4100 or University of Washington State Husky Football student athletes online at https://www.washington.edu/giving/make-a-gift