Billy Joe Graves

Bill was a beloved husband, father, grandfather, great-grandfather, great-great-grandfather, and friend. He was born on November 12, 1928, in Nashville, Tennessee. As a young child, he spent time at the Tennessee Children’s Home Society under Georgia Tann in Memphis, Tennessee, before being adopted on December 18, 1933, by Leotha Graves and Emma Z. (Acklin) Graves of Blytheville, Arkansas. Bill always shared fond memories of growing up in Henderson, Tennessee.

At 17 years old, Bill enlisted at the end of 1945 and served in the United States Navy from March 1946 to October 1949 as a First Class Gunner’s Mate at the close of World War II.

Bill met the love of his life, Doris Joy Tucker, when they were children playing hide-and-seek, he was 7 and she was 5. Years later, after returning from the Navy, he found her working at the Electric Grill in downtown Henderson, TN. He famously tipped her with three new Canadian pennies. The two eloped to Corinth, Mississippi, on June 1, 1950, and shared 73 wonderful years of marriage and 5 children, before passing in 2023. Their love was admired by many and truly one of a kind.

Bill is survived by his daughters, Pamela (Vance) Rugaard (Spring Hill, Tennessee), Anita Wilson (Peoria, Illinois), and Mona (Gregg) Norman (Pekin, Illinois); and his sons Darrell (Kay) Graves, and John (Patty) Graves (both of Pekin, Illinois).

He is also survived by 11 grandchildren: Amy Rugaard (Spring Hill, Tennessee), Andrea (Adam) Dean (Morton, Illinois), William Rugaard (Spring Hill, Tennessee), Joseph (Jessica) Wilson (Peoria, Illinois), Luke Wilson (Peoria, Illinois), Adam (Brittany) Personett (Germantown Hills, Illinois), Morgan (James) Ulstad (Dunlap, Illinois), Barrett Nicol (Katie Ward) (Hollywood, California), Ryan (Alyssa) Graves (Peoria, Illinois), Kaitlin Graves (St. Louis, Missouri), and Kristin Graves (Pekin, Illinois); 19 great-grandchildren and 2 great-great-grandchildren; 2 sister-in-laws, Ima Sue Ross (now of Eureka, Illinois), and Barbara Ann Faichney (Pekin, Illinois); 2 brother-in-laws, Wendell “Bub” E. Tucker (Pekin, Illinois), and Michael Steinacher (Titusville, Florida); many nieces and nephews; and his “children of the heart”, Chuck Carroll, and Jerry and Paula Norman, (all of Pekin, Illinois).

He also leaves behind his beloved Yorkie, Fendi, and his housemate and brother-in-law Bub’s Yorkie, Dan the Dog, who brought him great joy and companionship.

He was preceded in death by his parents; his adored wife, Doris Joy Graves; his sister, Joyce Steinacher; his sister-in-law, Kay Budds; his brother-in-law, Roy Ross; and his sister-in-law, Dora Tucker.

Bill came to Peoria in 1950 in search of work and began a 2-year machine shop training program with Caterpillar. He went on to build a long and successful career there, retiring in 1983 as a General Foreman in Building KK.

During his 43 years of retirement, Bill enjoyed hunting, fishing, traveling, reading westerns, and listening to music and playing on his guitar and banjo. He especially loved construction. He built 2 family homes, 2 spec houses, and renovated numerous rental houses over the years. Lastly, he owned 23 rental homes. He was happiest when working with his hands and creating something for those he loved.

Bill will be remembered for his kindness, generosity, compassion, and unmistakable sense of humor. He was often described as the life of the party and a “second dad” by many. His warm smile, quick wit, and signature twinkle in his eye will be deeply missed by all who knew him.

When asked how he was doing, Bill was known for his classic response: “Never had it so good,” even near the very end. Another favorite reply was simply, “I feel good!” Most often stated, “I love my kids!”

The family extends heartfelt thanks to Dr. Michael Honan for many years of exceptional care, and to Tammy Quarello for the wonderful meals and household support this past year. Special thanks also to the compassionate VITAS Hospice caregivers, especially Laura Robbins and Heather Tabb (“his girls”), for their outstanding care and kindness.

Visitation will be at Preston-Hanley Funeral Homes & Crematory in Pekin, Illinois, on Wednesday May 6, 2026 from 11 a.m. to 12:30 p.m. A memorial service will follow immediately afterward, with Chaplain Scot Shelburne officiating. Burial will be at Lakeside Cemetery in Pekin. Military Honor Rites will be accorded.

In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made to Easterseals Central Illinois, 507 E. Armstrong Avenue, Peoria, IL 61603.

To express condolences online, visit www.preston-hanley.com