Bill DeWitt

      Billie Joe “Bill” DeWitt, 76, of Carmi, IL passed away peacefully at his home on Saturday, March 2, 2025. Bill was born on April 19, 1948, in Springerton, IL, and was the son of J.C. and Lucille DeWitt. He was raised on the family farm in Springerton with his brothers and sisters, where he learned to love and work the land. He graduated from Enfield High School, class of 1966. Playing basketball on the Enfield Trojans team was a highlight of his high school career. His love of sports continued throughout his life, and watching basketball games on TV was a favorite pastime of his. Most recently, he attended a Kentucky Wildcats basketball game and enjoyed NASCAR races. In addition to his life’s work of farming, Bill was a master builder and craftsman. He designed and built his family’s first home in Springerton, and later, homes in Carmi for him and his wife and for his daughter and her family. After retiring from farming, Bill enjoyed spending time at his Florida home in the winters, and having coffee and visits with his many friends when in Southern Illinois. If he wasn’t working on a building project, helping family members or farmer friends, or mowing grass Bill’s strong work ethic kept him busy doing something. Bill was a man of faith and a former deacon of the Springerton Christian Church, where he was a member until his death. He was a United States Army Veteran of the Vietnam War. Bill married Dixie Sue James on August 6, 1971, at Springerton Christian Church in Springerton, IL and she survives.

     Survivors include his wife of fifty-three years, Dixie DeWitt of Carmi; his son, Brian DeWitt and Maggie Cochran of Austin, Texas; his daughter, Holly Russell and husband Chris of Carmi; two granddaughters, Brenna and Braelyn Russell of Carmi; sister Betty Ray of Fairfield, IL. He was preceded in death by his parents, his brother Glenn, his brother Scottie, and his sister Sharon Musgrave.

      Visitation for Bill DeWitt will be held from 9:00 a.m. to 12:00 p.m. on Thursday, March 6, 2025, at Springerton Christian Church and will be followed by funeral services at 12:00 p.m. at Springerton Christian Church. Burial will be in the Enfield Cemetery with Military graveside rites. The family requests that in lieu of flowers, donations may be made to the Carmi Compassion Center and will be accepted at the church. Donations may also be mailed to 609 W. Main St. Carmi, IL. 62821. Campbell Funeral Home in Carmi has been entrusted with arrangements.