William Russell McCracken

William Russell McCracken, lovingly known as Bill, passed away peacefully on July 28, 2025, at the age of 84, in his Auburn, California home, with his devoted wife, Jennifer, by his side.

Born on September 14, 1940, in The Bronx, New York, to William James McCracken and Margaret Elaine Russell McCracken. His father’s Air Force service took them to places like Okinawa, Japan, and Oakland and Fremont, California.

Bill earned a Business degree from Brigham Young University and began his career at Shell Oil in Long Beach, California. After a short stint with the Federal Bureau of Narcotics, he chose a different path, channeling his entrepreneurial passion into founding successful businesses, including Pacific Pavement and AMB.

A faithful member of his church, Bill took on various roles and served his community as a dedicated member of the Rocklin School Board for many years. His enthusiasm for photography, disc golf, and pickleball endeared him to many, and his absence will be keenly felt.

Having called California home, Bill lived in Oakland, Long Beach, Hayward, Fremont, Rocklin, Citrus Heights, and finally Auburn, where he and Jennifer, his wife of 34 years, forged deep and lasting friendships.

Bill is survived by Jennifer; his six children from his first marriage to Kinne (Jim) Kirschbaum: Chris (Gina) McCracken of Rocklin, CA; Kelle (Chris) Gosney of Meadow Vista, CA; Nicole (Ed) Andrew of Orem, UT; Matt McCracken of Roseville, CA; Adam (Aimee) McCracken of Loomis, CA; and Sean McCracken of Boise, ID; and his two children from his second marriage, Rachel McGuigan of Roseville, CA, and Samantha McCracken of Tacoma, WA. He also leaves behind 22 grandchildren, 10 great- grandchildren and siblings Elizabeth (Bud) Recht and John (Linda) McCracken, brother -in -law, Sid Purser and Jim Smyth. He was preceded in death by his parents and sisters, Helen “Len” Purser and Mignon Smyth.

A funeral service will be held at 11:00 AM on Saturday, August 16, 2025, at the North Auburn LDS Building, 1255 Bell Road, Auburn, CA.

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