David Bills

1949 - 2025

David Bills

November 18, 1949 - March 5, 2025

David Ora Bills, 75, of Silvis, IL, formerly of Port Byron, IL, died Wednesday, March 5, 2025, at his home. Services will be held at 10:30 a.m. Thursday, March 13, 2025 at Gibson-Bode Funeral Home, Port Byron. Visitation will be from 4:30 p.m. to 7:30 p.m. on Wednesday at the funeral home. Burial will be in the Hampton Township Cemetery, Hampton, IL. Memorials may be made to River Cities Rotary or UnityPoint Hospice.

David was born November 18, 1949 in Kewanee, IL, the son of Byron and Mildred (Abrams) Bills. He graduated from Kewanee High School in 1968. He went on to the University of Illinois where he played football. After injuring his knee, he attended Western Illinois University, graduating in 1973 with a B.A. in History. He later earned a M.S. in Education Administration from Western Illinois University and Specialist in Education from Eastern Illinois University. On June 11, 1972, David married Sandra Maloney in Pekin, IL.

Over the course of his career in education, David taught high school history and was a head football coach, basketball coach, wrestling coach, athletic director, principal, and superintendent. He started his career teaching and coaching at Annawan High School and Orion High School, moved to Niantic-Harristown Schools as a high school principal and later superintendent, and finished his full-time career as superintendent of Riverdale Schools in Port Byron. David retired in 2007 as superintendent but continued to work for the District as a part-time Business Manager for another 8 years.

David joined the River Cities Rotary Club in 2000 and became active at the local and district levels. He was an Assistant District Governor for 5 years and served as the District Governor from 2021-2022.

David was a lifelong Chicago Bears fan. He enjoyed golfing with his friends and family. In his later years, he was an avid coin collector and active in a local coin club.

After becoming a school administrator, David continued to coach, including for over 15 years of youth baseball and junior football. David has left a legacy of thousands of students and athletes who learned from him the values of hard work, integrity, disciple, perseverance, and teamwork.

David is survived by his wife of 52 years, Sandee; 3 children, Matthew (Carrie) Bills, Glen Ellyn, IL, Kelle (Eric) Larned, Andover, IL, and Luke (Jodi) Bills, Medfield, MA; and 6 grandchildren, Ryan and Lauren, Jacob and Elijah, and Nathan and Charlie. He was preceded in death by both parents. Share a memory or condolence at www.gibsonbodefh.com.