William Ray "Bill" Stephens

Reverend William "Bill" Ray Stephens, 92, of Ramsey, Illinois, said his final goodbye on January 5, 2026, at 2:56 AM. Bill was born May 17, 1933 to Harley and Bertha (Wilburn) Stephens. Bill served his country in the army and was a past commander at the American Legion Post 460 in Ramsey. He retired from Caterpillar Tractor in Decatur where he worked for 30+ years. He then moved to Patoka where he was a caretaker for the Kaskaskia Baptist Campground for 16 years. Bill retired from Shobonier Baptist Church where he pastored for many years. After that he would fill in for other churches in the area when they needed a speaker.

Bill loved working in his garage, welding, and fixing anything with motor. He loved westerns and Cardinal baseball in the summer. Sunday afternoons you could find him watching one or the other. Bill also loved spending time with his family and looked forward to seeing his children and grandchildren when he had the chance.

Bill married Darlene Barnes and had four children. He later married Wanda Sours Morell and had four more children along with receiving a bonus son. Bill will always be remembered as someone who was always ready to go do something or go somewhere. He enjoyed flying and taking trips to visit family in Oregon and Texas.

Bill is survived by his children, Debra (Dwayne) Gordon of South Carolina, William "Rick" (Annette) Stephens of Arkansas, Paul (Clarice) Stephens of Ashmore, IL, Luke (Marcy) Morell of Ramsey, IL, Patrick "Kyle" (Marca) Stephens of Mississippi, Stacie (Paul) Willis of Decatur, IL, Tom Stephens of Ramsey, IL and Sheila (Kevin) Dyce of Ramsey, IL; and his siblings, Jesse (Judy) Stephens of Greenup, IL, Harvey (Doris) Stephens and Dale Stephens both of Wilmington, IL, Nelson (Carol) Stephens of Georgia, Melba Leigh of Assumption, IL, Joann (Bill) Countryman of Montrose, IL, Florence (George) White of Pana, IL, Mary (Bruce) Beesley of Shobonier, IL; many grandchildren, great grandchildren, and three great-great grandchildren.

He was preceded in death by his wife, Wanda; two daughters, Loucinda and Rebecca; one brother, Danny; one sister, Cindy; three grandchildren; and two great grandchildren.

Funeral services will be held Friday, January 9, 2026, at 11:00 AM, at the First Baptist Church in Ramsey, IL, officiated by Nick Robertson and Jason Gordon. Burial will follow at Mt. Carmel Cemetery in Ramsey, IL. A visitation will be held Thursday, January 8, 2026, also at the First Baptist Church from 5:00 PM to 8:00 PM and one hour prior to service on Friday, from 10:00 Am to 11:00 AM. Memorial donations can be made to American Legion Post 460 in Ramsey. Miller Funeral Home, Ramsey, IL is in charge of arrangements. Online memories and condolences may be shared with the family at www.millerfh.net.