John Matthew "John Boy" Stacey

John Matthew Stacey, more commonly known as John Boy, age 56, of Sesser, Illinois passed away on the morning of December 24th, 2025. Born October, 17th, 1969, to Bill and Marilyn Stacey. John grew up in Sesser and graduated from Sesser-Valier High school. This is also where he met his wife Teresa. John and Teresa were wed on April 8th, 1995 at the Sesser First Christian Church. John worked at Mount Vernon Continental Tire for 31 years, it seems that over those years he may have built more friendships and relationships than he ever did tires. Over his lifetime John has become a member of many groups and organizations that have come to mean a lot to him such as the Sesser Ducks Unlimited, Sesser Homecoming Association, Rend Lake Masonic Lodge, Ashley Sportsman Association, and the Rend Lake Sportsman Association. Through all of these activities John Boy has become somewhat of a local celebrity. To know him was to know his signature energy and humor, paired with his easy going presence (and his Bloody Mary's or Lemonade if you were lucky). Behind all of his jokes was an enormous heart that cared deeply for his community and those he loved. Above all, John is to be remembered by the way that he could make anyone he met feel like a true friend, even if you were first time acquaintances. He listened without judgement, laughed without reservation, and supported without hesitation. His loyalty ran deep for his friends and family - teasing one minute and fiercely defending the next. There was never a dull moment when you were around him. John leaves a legacy that is loud in the lives that he has touched. He is preceded in death by his parents Bill and Marilyn Stacey; and his sister Kathy Wingo Hopson. He is survived by his wife Teresa Stacey; their daughters Alecia and Maggie Stacey; and his son in law Anthony Acosta; Sister Karen Redding, Sister-in-law Angela Bullock (Joe),Nephews Jeff Wingo (Mary Ann), John Don Wingo, Michael Redding (Maria), Matt Redding, Niece Savanah King(fiancee Donnie) and several great nieces and nephews and one special great niece Peyton King whom he served as her personal "Cabana Boy–aka popsicle getter", along with a mile long list of friends who will miss him dearly. Visitation will be held Monday, December 29th, 2025, from 5:00 pm to 8:00 pm at Brayfield-Gilbert Funeral Home. Funeral Services will be held on the following day, Tuesday, December 30th, 2025 at 11:00 AM at the funeral home. In lieu of flowers donations can be made to the Sesser-Valier Outdoorsmen Club and will be accepted at the funeral home.