Bill Andrews

Bill (William Walker) Andrews, age 84, a resident of Bolingbrook, IL since 1972, formerly of Brunswick, GA, passed away on Sunday, October 26, 2025, in Bolingbrook. He was born on January 11, 1941, in Eastman, GA.
Beloved husband of 62 years to Angela Andrews (née Giglio), whom he married August 3, 1963, loving father of Tony (Angela) Andrews of Naperville and Terri (Chris) Andrews-Walker of Bolingbrook, adored grandfather of Rebecca (Richard) Hernandez-Vizcayno, Sarah Andrews, Kaitlyn Andrews, Mia Jessica Hernandez, Moddy Andrews, Caitlin Walker and Cameron Walker, devoted son of the late Joseph and Sara (née DuPree) Andrews, dear brother of Sara Jones and the late Joe Andrews, fond brother-in-law, cousin, uncle, great-uncle, and friend of many. Bill will also be missed by his beloved cat, Peggy.
Bill was raised in Georgia and was a graduate of Mercer University in Macon, GA. He taught several years in the South Georgia area. When he began teaching, the issues of school segregation were challenging. Bill was always a champion of equal rights and diversity and strived to help his students develop understanding and respect for everyone.
Bill received his graduate degree in mathematics education at Georgia State University, Atlanta in 1969. He moved to Illinois with his family to teach as a Professor of Mathematics at Triton College in River Grove, IL – a position he held for 35 years. Here he was the picture of a contented man. He loved teaching and wanted to focus on working with students. Because of that passion, he declined promotions and administrative positions several times.
Bill met his wife, Angela, on a blind date and it was love at first sight for both of them. They married young and were married for 62 years. During their time together they tried to live as a couple in God's plan. For seven years they served as a team couple for Joliet Marriage Encounter; they helped hundreds of couples strengthen their relationships with each other and the Lord.
When his daughter, Terri, was a teenager, she asked Bill to attend a youth ministry retreat at St. Raphael Catholic Church in Naperville. Begrudgingly, Bill went and was drawn in by the love and needs of the teens. On that weekend, he found his vocation and answered the call to serve as Youth Ministry Leader at St. Raphael's for the next 40 years. During that time, he often allowed himself to be a vessel of the Holy Spirit, saying just the right thing at the right time to teens in need.
But Bill's first passion was his family. He spent his free time helping and supporting them in their endeavors – building rockets, participating in the Pinewood Derby, and gardening with Tony and teaching him how to use his hands to build and repair things. Bill attended every track meet Terri ran in and rode the bus with the team. He became an unofficial coach, cheerleader, and father figure for those who did not have supportive fathers in the picture.
Bill had the heart of a servant and was such a generous soul. He would help anyone in need. Bill was an extremely caring grandfather to his family. Everyone was loved and accepted as they were – and challenged to be even better. He lived life as an example for others to emulate. Bill followed the works of Christ, and he truly tried to be Christ-like. With an unwavering moral compass, Bill was God's faithful and obedient servant.
A visitation will be held on Wednesday, October 29, 2025, 4:00-8:00 PM at Friedrich-Jones Funeral Home & Cremation Services, 44 S. Mill St, Naperville.
PLEASE RESPECT BILL'S WISHES AND HIS LOVE OF THE CHICAGO BEARS BY WEARING BEARS ATTIRE OR COLORS (NAVY BLUE & ORANGE) TO THE WAKE. PLEASE WEAR BLUE, ORANGE AND/OR WHITE TO THE FUNERAL SERVICES.
A Mass of Christian Burial will be celebrated on Thursday, October 30, 10:30 AM at St. Raphael Catholic Church, 1215 Modaff Rd, Naperville, IL 60540, (630) 355-4545 with Fr. Dan Bachner officiating.
Future inurnment: Mausoleum of Holy Apostles, SS. Peter & Paul Cemetery, Naperville.
In lieu of flowers, contributions may be made in Bill's memory to:
Hesed House, Attn: Development, 659 South River Street, Aurora, IL 60506 630-914-6428, https://www.hesedhouse.org/
For more information, please call (630) 355-0213 or visit www.friedrich-jones.com