William Howard Faithful

William “Billy or Bill” Howard Faithful II, 75, of Columbus, Ohio passed away at the Riverside Hospital on September 17, 2026. Billy/Bill was the third child born to the union of William H. Faithful and Juanita L. (Sullivan) Faithful. He was born in Detroit, Michigan on November 30, 1950. Graduating from East High School in Columbus, Ohio, and then went on to graduate from Bowling Green University with two bachelor's degrees with one in African American Studies and the other in Philosophy.

Billy loved to make people laugh, especially children. Kids seemed to naturally flock to him because he was such a goofball and genuinely loved hearing their laughter and giggles. He had his struggles in life, but he was a friend to many and was always willing to help others, even if he fussed about it first. He was deeply loved by his children, as well as by many of the children who grew up in the neighborhood or were friends of the family.

You couldn’t go anywhere with Billy without someone recognizing him and calling out, “Faithful!” as a greeting. Wherever he went, he had a way of making people smile and laugh, regardless of their age. His sense of humor left an impression on so many people.

Billy also had a deep love of history and was always eager to share what he knew with anyone who would listen. He almost always had a book with him and could spend hours wandering through a bookstore or library. He loved his books so much that eventually he ran out of places to put them, but every one of them was well loved and well read, often filled with highlighted passages and notes he could return to later. His curiosity, love of learning, and willingness to share his knowledge were a special part of who he was.

He will be deeply missed by his family, friends, and all those whose lives he touched with his humor, kindness, and unmistakable personality.

Preceded in death by his father William H. Faithful, mother Juanita Faithful, sister Ivy Faithful, and sister Karen (Faithful) Hamilton and nephew. He is survived by his three children, Christine, Jason, and Shawnese “Bear;” significant other Cathy, siblings Bydea and Michealanne, grandson Nel’Shawn, and great granddaughter Ane’Glina; and a host of nieces, nephew, cousins, and friends. A true testament to William’s loving heart was the family he created beyond blood. Throughout his life he welcomed people into his heart and embraced them as his own. These cherished members of his bonus family were an important part of his life and will forever be part of his legacy. His Bonus Family: Octavia, Erica, Tiante, Dawntaya, Don, Uriah “Riyah,” Ieisha, and Avi.

Family will have a private service.