Bil Musgrave Jr.

1955 - 2019

Bil Musgrave, Jr.

Chandler - Bil Musgrave, Jr. of Chandler, Indiana died peacefully on the evening of December 14, 2019. He was born on October 10, 1955, in Evansville, IN to Billy Lee Musgrave, Sr. and Janice Derrington. He is survived by his wife of 42 years, Kim (Zimmer) Musgrave, son, Marshall Musgrave, daughter, Nina Musgrave and son-in-love, Ian Hooper, and three wonderful grandchildren, Cade Daniel Musgrave, Lillian Lynne Musgrave, and Corbin Alexander Musgrave.

Bil was truly a Labor Activist. He was a 42 year member of United Mine Workers of America Local 1189 and worked at the Squaw Creek Coal Mine in Warrick County, Indiana. He served on the COMPAC committee and was an active retiree. He was often the Bus Captain on trips to rallies fighting for workers' rights and legislation. Bil was a Labor Day Association delegate and could be found at our local Labor Day celebration every year. He served on the Board of Directors of The Labor Institute For Training (LIFT) since its inception.

He founded the business, American Advertising, in 1988 and was proud to sell American and Union made items to Locals and organizations around the world. He was honored to stand in solidarity and fight corporate greed with any and all of his Union brothers and sisters. He was a certified Trouble Maker from Labor Notes for his warrior efforts to promote the labor movement.

Bil was never afraid to speak out for what is right and was a strong voice for the environment. Bil & Kim battled Alcoa for over a decade regarding toxic chemicals and waste dumped at Squaw Creek. He was honored with the Hoosier Environmental Award from the Hoosier Environmental Council and founded the Alliance for Clean Rural Environment (ACRE) to promote environmental justice in our community.

Bil took pride in being a 3rd generation member of the Chandler Volunteer Fire Department (CVFD), where he served for 47 years. He was truly dedicated both to the Department and to his community. While on the CVFD, he served as Chief, Assistant Chief, Captain, Assistant Captain and President. He was involved in training, equipment procurement, communications and technology, and recruitment of members. He started the first newsletter and energetically responded to service runs at all hours of the day and night.

He was 30-year member of the Masonic Lodge in Boonville, IN, - Strangers Rest Lodge #240. He was an avid Harley rider, a 35-year member of ABATE, and enjoyed being a Snow Bird in Florida. Fishing on his pontoon boat was a favorite pastime of his. He was passionate about spending time with his grandkids and experiencing new things with them by his side.

Bil left a large footprint wherever he went and all who loved him will miss his spirit. He was a man of great passion, courage, conviction, integrity, and unapologetic directness. He never lost faith in the necessity of the Good Fight. We were lucky to have him as long as we did, and the family hopes you will join them for the following visitation and services:

** All services are open to the public ** Services will be held at Alexander Funeral Home in Newburgh, IN **

Friday, December 20, 2019

Open Visitation: 2:00pm-8:00pm

United Mine Workers of America Memorial Service: 7:00pm

Saturday, December 21, 2019

Open Visitation: 2:00pm-8:00pm

Strangers Rest Lodge #240, Masonic Memorial Service: 6:00pm

Indiana Volunteer Firefighters Association Memorial Service: 7:00pm

Sunday, December 22, 2019

Open Visitation: 12:00pm

Memorial Service: 1:00pm

Tribute Procession from Alexander Funeral Home, through Newburgh, Boonville, to Greenwood Cemetery, Chandler, IN: Departs at 2:15pm

Graveside Service and Last Call at Greenwood Cemetery, Chandler, IN: 3:00pm

Family Dinner immediately following, provided by Chandler Volunteer Fire Department, at Chandler Community Center: 3:30pm

Memorial gifts can be made to the Chandler Volunteer Fire Department in Chandler, IN or the Gift of Life Transplant House in Rochester, MN.

Condolences may be made on line at www.AlexanderNewburghChapel.com