William R. Pershing, 92, of Xenia, passed away Tuesday, August 14, 2018.  He was born October 4, 1925, in Dennison, Ohio, the son of Arthur Raymond and Ethel Chaney Pershing. He was a member of Westminster United Presbyterian Church for over 60 years where he served as an elder and Boy Scout leader. Bill was a veteran of the United States Army, serving in Europe during World War II. He graduated with degrees in education and physics from The Ohio State University where he met his wife of 67 years. He retired as a physicist at WPAFB and was instrumental in design and construction of the Optics Laboratory and the 100 inch collimator for the Air Force Avionics Laboratory. He is survived by his wife, Evelyn (Neatherton) Pershing, whom he married November 23, 1950, three children, Michael (Sonja) Pershing, Xenia, Suellen (Robert) Guyton, Beavercreek, and Melanie (Edward Council) Pershing, Xenia, seven grandchildren, Katrina Pershing, Avery Pershing, Xenia, Karen (Stephen) Uchmanowicz, Virginia, David (Nicole) Guyton, New Jersey, Christopher Council, Stephen Council, and Katie Council, Xenia, a brother, John (Darlene) Pershing, Columbus, by several nieces and nephews, and by many close friends. He was preceded in death by his parents, and by a brother, Eugene Gordon. Bill will be greatly missed by all who knew and loved him. Services will be held at 12 noon Saturday, August 18, at Westminster United Presbyterian Church, Xenia, with Rev. Melissa Tidwell officiating. Visitation will be held from 11 am Saturday until service time at the church. Burial will be in Woodland Cemetery, Xenia. In lieu of flowers, contributions may be made to Westminster United Presbyterian Church, 990 Old Springfield Pike, Xenia, OH, 45385, in his memory. Condolences may be made to the family at www.NeeldFuneralHome.com .