William H. Rivers, Jr. GILBERT William H. Rivers, Jr., 80, of Gilbert, husband of Judy Rivers, passed away Friday, October 27, 2017. He was born on September 4, 1937 in Columbia SC to the late William Howard Rivers, Sr. and Constance Marion Seel Rivers. He retired from Carolina Eastman Chemicals. In addition to his wife of 60 years, he is survived by two children, Debbie Cothran (Mark) and William "Bill" Howard Rivers, III (Tina); one sister, Gayle Roberts and her daughter, Linda Roberts; one granddaughter, Deidre Smith; two great-grandchildren, Coleman and Krista Smith; one great-great-granddaughter, Olivia Mugrage; and numerous nieces and nephews; and his dog, Patches. In addition to his parents, he was preceded in death by two sisters, Barbara Outlaw and Harriette Branham; two brothers, Phillip "Potsy" Rivers and Wayne Rivers. A memorial will be held on Sunday, November 5, 2017 at 3:00 p.m. in the chapel of Thompson Funeral Home of Lexington. The family will receive friends from 2:00 p.m. until 2:45 p.m. on Sunday, November 5, 2017 prior to the service at the funeral home. In lieu of flowers memorials may be made to Harvest Hope Food Bank, 2220 Shop Road, Columbia, SC 29201. Family and friends may sign the online guest book at www.thompsonsfuneral.com.