Virgil C Hornsby, Jr.

Born December 16, 1928 in Peoria to Virgil Clark and Ella Moss (Martin) Hornsby, he married Carol Wyatt in 1973 in Pekin. She died in 1996 in Fairbanks, Alaska.

He also was preceded in death by his parents, three brothers and one sister.

Surviving are eleven children; sixteen grandchildren, eleven great-grandchildren; three sisters, Rose Lutz of Vermont, Rella Bernard of Peoria and Ruth McCleary of Pekin; and three brothers, Bobby Hornsby of Wisconsin, Donny Hornsby of Mackinaw and Jack Hornsby of Creve Coeur.

Virgil is a veteran of the United States Army, serving during World War II, the Korean War, and the Vietnam War. He retired from the Army in 1966, after attaining the rank of Master Sergeant E8. He retired from Civil Service in 1989 as Maintenance Director

He was a fan of any type of competitive racing, but especially enjoyed NASCAR. He also enjoyed fishing and camping.

His funeral will be at 10 a.m. Saturday, July 26, 2008at the Preston-Hanley Funeral Home, Pekin Chapel. The Rev. Judy Doyle will officiate. Visitation will be one hour prior to the funeral. Burial will be in Fon du Lac Cemetery in East Peoria, where military rites will be provided by the Tazewell Area Ceremonial Team and the United States Army.

Memorial contributions may be given to OSF Hospice, 2265 West Altorfer Drive, Peoria, IL 61615.