Billy Ray Barnett

1930 - 2025

Kankakee, IL - Billy Ray Barnett, 95, of Bourbonnais, IL passed away on Monday, October 13, 2025 at Riverside Medical Center, Kankakee. He was born on April 7, 1930 in Herrin, IL the son of Cyrus E. and Mae B. (Poole) Barnett.

Memorial visitation will be on Thursday, October 30, 2025 from 9:30 AM until the time of his 11:30 AM funeral service at Clancy-Gernon Funeral Home in Bourbonnais, IL. Interment will be held at 1:30 PM at Abraham Lincoln National Cemetery in Elwood, IL. In lieu of flowers, please consider donating to a Veteran's charity in Bill's name.

Bill's family moved from Herrin, IL to Kankakee when he was four years old. He attended Kankakee schools and graduated from Kankakee High School. During his school years, Bill was always active in baseball, football and basketball. As a young adult, he continued to play baseball on local teams and was known for playing on 1st and 3rd base. He also played softball, basketball and bowled with his church league. He enjoyed hunting and fishing.

Sports had always been a big part of Bill's life. When his sons started playing ball he became "Coach" for the Lions Little League, Colt League, and American Legion baseball over a period of many years. He took his players to heart and showed true concern for them as kids, not just as ball players. Years after, many would still call him Coach and speak highly of him. Bill has loved telling his coaching stories over the years and it has always been evident how much he cared about the kids.

In 1950, Bill enlisted in the Illinois National Guard. His unit was called to Korea in early 1952 where they were incorporated into the 40th Infantry Division of the Army. Bill was promoted to the rank of Sargeant while in Korea. He returned to the States near the end of 1953 to complete the rest of his enlistment obligation to the Illinois National Guard. He received an Honorable Discharge in November 1953 and was awarded the Korean Services Medal with 3 bronze stars, United Nations Service Medal, National Defense Services Medal, and the Republic of Korea Presidential Unit Citation Badge. Bill was a proud US Veteran.

Bill married his sweetheart, Alice E. Bridges, on October 8, 1954 at Trinity Methodist Church in Kankakee, IL. They were married for 71 years. Together, they were a team in life's ups and downs and raised two sons, Michael and Timothy. Bill and Alice were well traveled whether they flew or cruised and enjoyed the many trips they took over the years. They also played cards together with friends for many years; Bill's favorites were double pinochle and 6 handed euchre. When the grandkids were old enough, the dominoes came out during family gatherings and hours were spent at the kitchen table playing Mexican train.

A hard worker, Bill worked at Bear Brand Hosiery, and Florence Stove. He worked for Northern Illinois Gas Company for 36 years, retiring in 1990. He had always said he wanted to be retired for as many years as he worked for the gas company ... he sure was close!

We all know the St. Louis Cardinals have lost their best ever armchair manager. Bill was a life-long true blood Cards fan and spent many hours with his family in the heat of the stands watching them play either in Chicago or St. Louis. In later years, he cheered them on from his living room with his commentaries, his directions and strong opinions. He seldom missed a game. There's an empty spot on the bench.

Bill is survived by his wife, Alice, and his two sons, Michael (Mary) Barnett, and Timothy (Josie) Barnett all of Bourbonnais; three grandchildren Kevin (Sarah) Barnett of St. Joseph, IL, Gabby (Zach) Hoyle of Eldridge, Iowa, and Olivia (Michael) Clemens of Bourbonnais. Bill was thrilled when his first great-grandchild, Aubrielle, was born this year to Olivia and Michael. And he has another great-grandchild, Aubrielle's sister, due in 2026. He is also survived by his brother-in-law Alan (Barbara) Bridges from Arizona, and numerous first cousins, nieces and nephews.

He is preceded in death by his parents, his infant twin brothers, his Aunt Elizabeth (Poole) Williams who was more like a sister, his sister-in-law, Judith (Bridges) Mitchell, and many aunts, uncles and cousins.

Please sign his guestbook at www.clancygernon.com