A funeral service for William J. ?Bill? Rafferty, Jr., 71, of Groveport will be held on Thursday November 14, 2003 at 11:00 AM in the Newark Chapel of Vensil-Orr & Chute Funeral Home with Pastor Bryan Meadows officiating. Burial will follow in Wilson Cemetery with the Licking County Veteran?s Alliance providing military funeral honors. Mr. Rafferty died Monday, November 10, 2003 at Mt. Carmel East Medical Center. He was born February 29, 1932 in Cleveland, Ohio to the late William James and Hazel (Tignor) Rafferty. Mr. Rafferty was employed as a machinist and more recently as a greeter at Wal-Mart. Mr. Rafferty has resided in the Columbus area for 41 years. He attended the United Brethren Church of Christ in Obetz. Mr Rafferty enjoyed fishing, woodworking, playing pool, and athletics. He was also a veteran of the United States Navy. Mr. Rafferty is survived by his wife of 47 years, Shirley (Pickett) Rafferty, whom he married October 7, 1956; a daughter; Pam (Rodney) Evans of Newark; a son, Mike (Mindy) Rafferty of Westerville; four grandchildren, Zack and Megan Evans of Newark, and Tonya and Scott Rafferty of Westerville; and one aunt, Lottie Morehead of Logan. In addition to his parents, Mr. Rafferty was preceded in death by two half sisters; Mary Bell Snyder and Betty Cook. Calling hours will be observed from 5-8 PM on Wednesday at the funeral home, 1850 W. Main St., Newark. Memorial contributions may be made to the American Heart Association. Envelopes will be available at the funeral home.