William J. Getty was born on December 29, 1908  in Ridgeway Township, Lenawee County, Michigan as the son of George Frances and Olive (Merryfield) Getty.

On April 7, 1931, he married Grace Fick in Lucas County, Ohio and they had three children:

  1. Gerald Getty

  2. LaDonna Getty

  3. James Getty

William died on June 28, 1973 in Batesville, Ripley County, Indiana at the age of 64.