Funeral services for Dr. William Joel Rivers, age 59 of Bon Aqua, TN were conducted Friday afternoon, March 21, 2014 at 2 p.m. from the Chapel of the Taylor Funeral Home. Place of rest is in the Conner Family Cemetery in East Hickman County.
Dr. Rivers died March 18, 2014 at Vanderbilt University Medical Center. Born in Shelbyville, TN, he was the son of John Taylor and Nina Marie Myatt Rivers. He was a 1973 graduate of Dickson County Senior High School. He received his B.S. and M. A. degrees from Middle Tennessee State University and and later went on to receive his doctorate in Psychology from Oklahoma State University. Dr. Rivers taught at Oklahoma State University and was a professor for Purdue University for three years. Also worked as a training specialist for Vanderbilt University and Vanderbilt University Medical Center. He shared a great love the arts and for music and taught banjo lessons to over five hundred students. He was a faithful member of the Mormon Church. He was married to the former Ginger Conner.
Dr. Rivers is survived by his wife of 39 years, Ginger Conner Rivers of Bon Aqua, TN; Son, Joel Daniel Rivers and his wife, Mindy of Bon Aqua, TN; Daughter, Alexandria Sharlene Rivers of Bon Aqua, TN; 2 grandchildren, Tomas Daniel Rivers and Anna Katarina Rivers; his Parents, John and Marie Myatt Rivers of Pinewood; Brother, David Rivers of Bon Aqua, TN; Mother in law, Etta Mai Conner of Bon Aqua, TN.