A Game of Healing: Bill Forray's Pickleball Journey Through Love and Loss
How a Community Rallied Around a Grieving Husband and Helped Him Find Solace on the Pickleball Court
When life hands us loss, we often find comfort in the familiar. For Bill Forray, that familiar place was the pickleball court. After the heartbreaking loss of his beloved wife, Jill, Bill was left with a void that seemed impossible to fill. Their bond had been the kind others only dream of, one built on love, mutual respect, and a shared passion for sports. As Bill faced the daunting challenge of moving forward without Jill by his side, it was the local pickleball community that stepped in, offering support, camaraderie, and a pathway to healing.
In this compelling story, we explore how the sport of pickleball—and the people who play it—became a lifeline for Bill during his darkest days. From the outpouring of love during Jill’s illness to the countless matches that have since helped Bill rediscover joy, this is a tale of resilience, community, and the enduring power of love.
Finding Love Through Sport
Bill and Jill Forray’s love story began on the tennis courts of New York. A casual conversation about movies blossomed into a lifelong partnership filled with shared interests and mutual respect. Both were avid athletes, and their bond was strengthened by their love for sports. Whether it was a game of tennis or a leisurely round of golf, Bill and Jill were inseparable. It was this shared passion that eventually led them to the sunny courts of Florida, where they discovered a new sport that would change their lives: pickleball.
A New Chapter in Florida
In 2017, Bill and Jill took up pickleball, quickly becoming familiar faces at the Delray Tennis Center. Their love for the game mirrored their love for each other—strong, enduring, and full of joy. But as life often does, it threw them an unexpected curveball. In December 2019, Jill was diagnosed with leukemia, and their lives were turned upside down.
For 21 months, Bill stood by Jill’s side as she bravely battled her illness. During this time, pickleball took a backseat as Bill focused on caring for the love of his life. Despite the challenges, the couple managed to return to the courts for a brief period, finding solace in the game they both adored. However, Jill’s health eventually declined, and on a fateful day in July, she passed away, leaving Bill to navigate life without his cherished partner.
The Power of Community
The loss of Jill was devastating for Bill, but he soon discovered that he wasn’t alone. The pickleball community, which had become an integral part of their lives, rallied around him in his time of need. Friends who had once cheered them on during matches now offered support in ways that went beyond the court. From organizing fundraisers to help with Jill’s medical expenses to simply being there for Bill as he grieved, the community’s kindness was boundless.
Bill was deeply moved by the outpouring of love and support. He often reflected on how fortunate Jill had been to experience such overwhelming care from their friends. “Most people don’t find out how loved they are until after they’re gone,” Bill would say. “Jill was still here, and she got to see how much she was cherished by everyone around her.”
Healing Through Pickleball
In the months following Jill’s passing, Bill found himself drawn back to the pickleball court. What started as a way to stay active soon became a crucial part of his healing process. Initially, Bill would play alone during the quiet hours at the Delray Tennis Center, using the game as a form of therapy. But as time went on, he began to reconnect with the community that had once supported him and Jill so fervently.
Pickleball became more than just a game for Bill—it was a lifeline. The sport provided him with a sense of purpose and a way to honor Jill’s memory. With every serve, every volley, and every match, Bill felt closer to the woman he had lost. The friendships he forged on the court also played a significant role in his recovery. Through pickleball, Bill met people who not only shared his love for the game but also understood the pain of loss. Together, they formed a tight-knit community that helped each other navigate life’s challenges.
A Legacy of Love
Bill’s journey through grief has been marked by both heartache and healing. While the loss of Jill will always leave a void in his life, the support of the pickleball community has allowed him to move forward with strength and grace. His story is a testament to the power of community and the role that sports can play in helping us heal.
In honor of Jill, Bill continues to play pickleball, not just as a pastime but as a way to keep her memory alive. He participates in tournaments, often dedicating his matches to the love of his life. In 2023, Bill and his partner won two bronze medals at the US Open Pickleball Championships, a victory he attributes to Jill’s guiding spirit. The following year, they returned to win two gold medals, a feat that seemed almost miraculous to Bill. “I know Jill was watching over us,” he said, his voice filled with emotion.
Conclusion: The Best Version of Himself
Today, Bill Forray is a man transformed. Once a quiet, reserved individual, he has blossomed into a vibrant and outgoing member of the pickleball community. His journey from loss to recovery is a reminder that, even in our darkest moments, we can find light through the support of others.
Bill credits pickleball not only for helping him cope with Jill’s passing but also for bringing out a side of him that he never knew existed. Surrounded by friends who have become like family, Bill believes that he is now the best version of himself—a version that Jill would be proud of.
In the end, Bill’s story is about more than just loss and recovery; it’s about the enduring power of love and the strength found in community. As Bill continues to play pickleball, he does so with a heart full of gratitude, knowing that every match is a tribute to the woman who will always be by his side in spirit.
