Billy Ray Mathis

Born September 27, 1938 in Yuma, TN to Eurie and Bertha (Hicks) Mathes; he married Ruth Evatt on May 19, 1967 in Peoria. She survives of Edwards.

Also surviving are his children, Carolyn (Robert) Coup of Peoria and Jerry Mathis (Susan Durham) of Brimfield; grandchildren, Christopher (Jackie) Coup, April (Kyle) Lovell, Johnny (Jessica) Mathis, and Kayla, Jade, Jasmin, Madison and Kylie Mathis; and his sister, Earseal Richardson.

Preceding him in death were his parents, son Carl Mathis and siblings, Loys Mathes, Ruth Singleton, Carl Mathes, Luna Hollowell, Leonard Mathes, and Bonnie Ellis.

Bill was the youngest of eight children growing up on a share crop farm in Tennessee.

He was a member of UAW Local 974 working as a truck driver for Caterpillar, Inc and retired in 1994 after 30 years of service. Bill was always working, whether it was at Caterpillar, fixing up a rental home or vehicle, or tending his large garden.

His favorite thing to do was telling stories and making people laugh. He is remembered for being able to fix just about anything and always having the best advice.

Funeral services will be held at 10:00 am Saturday, October 11, 2025 at the Davison-Fulton Woolsey-Wilton Funeral Home, 2408 West Willow Knolls Drive in Peoria. Burial will follow at St. Patrick's Cemetery in Kickapoo. Visitation will be 5:00 pm until 7:00 pm on Friday, October 10, 2025 at the funeral home.

Memorials are suggested to the American Diabetes Association.

Condolences and memories may be shared through Woolsey-Wilton.com