William L. Penley

William L. Penley
"Bill" entered heaven's gate on March 26, 2024 to rejoin the love of his life and his heart, his wife Sue, "just inside the Eastern gate".
He was born to George W. and Lillian J. Penley. in Marion, Illinois.
Bill married Sue Barnes at First Baptist Church in Benton, Il. September 4, 1965. He had known Sue her entire life, remembering the day she was born. They spent almost fifty one years of married life together and had a special bond that went beyond the bonds of holy matrimony. In Bill's words, "I married a girl that I truly loved with all my heart, NOT because I wanted to be WITH her, but because I didn't want to be WITHOUT her".
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Bill and Sue always felt that no matter what happened in their lives, everything would be okay as long as they were together and trusted God. Sue died in August 2016. leaving Bill with a broken heart that never healed. Five words says it all, "they truly loved each other". Bill and Sue thoroughly enjoyed each other's company and just being together. They enjoyed spending time with family and time spent with their grandchildren was always special.
He was a proud U. S. Army veteran.
He had a 50 plus year career in food service/vending management that encompassed positions in administrative, executive and operations and included virtually every facet of the industry.
Bill leaves two sons, Tim, Nathan and a daughter in law Carrie, the two grandchildren he and Sue adored, Michelle (Phil) and Allison, one great granddaughter, Mackenzie. A sister, Rev. Judy Foote, a niece, Paula, and husband Richard) and a nephew, Daniel (Sherri), Sue's nieces, Cathy (Tim), Karen and nephews, Danny, David, Doug and Dick (Kristina) and numerous distant cousins.
He is preceded in death by his wife, Sue, his parents, a sister, Georgene and a brother, Larry.
At Bill's request, there will be no visitation or service.
His earthly remains, like Sue's, were donated to Anatomical Gift Association of Illinois with the hope of improving the lives of others through medical research.