Billie D. Joyner

Billie D. Joyner, 76, of Chatham, passed away at 5:20 p.m. on Thursday, April 21, 2011 at St. John's Hospice of Lung Cancer. He was born July 24, 1934 in Shawneetown, IL to the late Louis Kermit Joyner and Bertha Talandis. He was also preceded in death by his brothers, Louis Kermit Jr. and Ronald Wayne Joyner. Bill graduated from Shawneetown Community High School and went on to serve his country first with the U.S. Marine Corps. He later joined the IL Army National Guard and worked full time before retiring as Sergeant Major after 37 years of military service. Bill enjoyed mushroom hunting in April, gardening, playing golf, fishing and hunting. He was an active life member of the TRN Club, American Legion Post 32, and Elks Lodge 2705 in Laurie, MO. He married Mary Francis Gille on April 19, 1975, she survives him in Chatham; also surviving are his daughter, Kelly (husband, Michael) Withers of WA; two grandsons, Zachary and Austin; and several special nieces, nephews, great-nieces, including Amber and Ashley Aarup; and great-nephews. Cremation was accorded by Butler Cremation Tribute Center. Graveside ceremonies: 12:00 p.m. on Thursday, April 28, 2011 at Camp Butler National Cemetery with military honors. Memorial contributions may be made to: Camp COCO, 927 N. Rutledge St. P.O. Box 19666, Springfield, IL 62794.