PEORIA - William E. Bell, 86, of Peoria passed away Saturday, Nov. 17, 2012, at OSF Saint Francis Medical Center in Peoria.
He was born on Oct. 6, 1926, in Johnson City, Ill., the son of James W. and LaVerne Threlkeld Bell. He married Betty McMillan on Nov. 15, 1947, in Johnston City, Ill.
He is survived by his wife of 65 years; two sons, Kevin (Kristine) Bell of Myrtle Beach, S.C., and Keith (Sheila) Bell of Savannah, Ga. Also surviving is one granddaughter, Tera Bell of St. Louis, Mo.; three grandsons, Bradley of Savannah, Ga., Christopher and Joshua, both of Myrtle Beach, S.C.; as well as one sister, Thelma Howell of Johnston City, Ill.
A 1945 graduate of Johnston City High School, he then served during World War II in the U.S. Army before being honorably discharged.
Bill attended the Sheet Metal Workers apprenticeship program in Peoria, and was the former owner of Air Control Heating and Air Conditioning and the Silver Dollar Tap, both in Peoria Heights.
Bill is a member of the Joseph Robbins Lodge 930 AF&AM and the Scottish Rite Bodies Valley of Peoria, as well as a former member of the Mohammed Shrine Temple, Abbas Grotto, Elks Lodge No. 20, Sheet Metal Workers Local No. 1 and University United Methodist Church in Peoria.
Bill was a lifelong St. Louis Cardinals baseball and Chicago Bears football fan. He loved his family more than anything, and was a people person who enjoyed life to the fullest with his family and friends.
Cremation rites have been accorded, with a celebration of life service to be scheduled at a later date.
Memorials in his name may be given to Shriners Hospitals for Children.
Notes of condolences for the family may be sent using www.peoriafuneral.com.
To plant trees in memory, please visit the Sympathy Store.
2 Entries
Many memories but your in a happier place!
Mary Cipri
November 15, 2023
So sorry Betty & Family, we have shared 47 years of friendship both happy and sad and this one of the sad times.
With Love, Andy & Mary Cipri
November 21, 2012
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