Bill H. Music, 93, of Mansfield, passed away peacefully on Friday, August 22, 2025, at Mill Creek Nursing Home surrounded by his loving family.
Bill was born at his family home in Bonanza, KY on March 30, 1932, to the late Estill and Amanda (Shepherd) Music.
Bill was a graduate of Prestonsburg Kentucky High School. After high school, he joined the United States Navy and served his country faithfully during the Korean War from 1951 until 1955. Upon his honorable discharge, Bill moved to Ohio to seek better work opportunities and to live with his sister. This led him to his career at General Motors, dedicating 33 years working in the MD tool and dye skilled trades. Bill’s sister is who introduced him to his first wife, Ruth Ann Boyd. Ruth Ann was also from Kentucky and moved to Ohio to live with her brother. It was fate that brought them together as they hadn’t met prior to moving to Ohio. They married on September 21, 1956, and spent a wonderful 36 years of marriage before Ruth Ann’s passing on October 19, 1992.
Bill was a devoted family man who found immense joy in spending time with his loved ones. He adored his daughters and fostered a nurturing environment filled with laughter and adventure. He and Ruth Ann cherished memorable family vacations during their daughters’ formative years, instilling in them the values of kindness and togetherness. Bill thrived in his love for farming, where he cultivated not only crops but also dreams—his entrepreneurial spirit led him to explore various ideas and side businesses, showcasing his big dreams and boundless creativity. While on the farm, Bill took great joy in fishing and hunting on his land. He especially enjoyed bonding with his family, creating endless memories spent outdoors.
A passionate advocate for Southern gospel music, Bill and Ruth Ann founded the outdoor Gospel Music Farm in 1979. Prior to founding the music farm, Bill came to know the Lord at the age of 39, alongside his wife, Ruth Ann.
Bill was a proud gospel music promoter and it was their shared love of gospel music that brought him, to his second wife, Sue Peck, whom he married on March 15, 1995. Bill and Sue shared 29 years of marriage together before her passing on July 13, 2024. During their time together, Bill and Sue cherished their winters spent in Georgia with Sue’s family and summers in Ohio with Bill’s family. Bill and Sue attended Free Chapel in Gainesville while in Georgia and Victory Rock Church while in Ohio, sharing their love for Jesus no matter where they were.
Bill enjoyed attending and assisting his favorite gospel group, Karen Peck & New River during their concerts. His enthusiasm for uplifting melodies reflected his deep-seated faith and love for sharing the joy of gospel music with others.
Left to cherish Bill’s memories are his daughters; Elizabeth (Danny) Akers of Galion and Kathy (Wayne) Snyder of Lucas; his grandchildren; Danny Alan (Rachel) Akers, Jennifer Evans, Klair (Jeremy) Heestand, Ann Mason and Anthony (Theresa) Snyder; numerous great grandchildren and great-great grandchildren; his siblings; Minnie Alice (James Riley) Hall, Lyda Faye Crum and Denver Ray Music; his bonus daughters; Sandra (Clarence) Peck, Susan (David) Jackson and Karen (Rickey) Gooch; as well as many other bonus grandchildren and great grandchildren and numerous nieces and nephews.
In addition to his parents, his wives, Ruth Ann and Sue, Bill was preceded in death by his siblings; Leo Music, Mary Ellen Layne, Bobby Music and Ronald Music.
Friends may call on Tuesday, August 26, 2025, from 6:00pm until 8:00pm at Victory Rock Church, 1700 Fairview Ave., Galion, OH 44833. Visitation will also be held on Wednesday, August 27, 2025, from 11:00am until the time of the service at 12:00pm, also at Victory Rock Church. Pastor Doug Tackett will be officiating the service and burial will follow the service at Mansfield Memorial Park, where full military honors will be rendered.
The family would like to extend a special thank you to Mill Creek Nursing Home and Gentiva Hospice for the excellent care provided to Bill and his family.
Those wishing to share a memory of Bill or send condolences to the Music family may do so by visiting www.masfh.com.
The Gompf Funeral Service – Galion Chapel is honored to serve the family of Bill H Music.
Funeral Home: Gompf Funeral Service – Galion Chapel
Website: www.masfh.com