He was born on February 19, 1942 in Pontiac, Michigan to Henry and Letha (Ford) Harper.
Surviving are his four children, Trenton Harper, Katherine Harper, Maurice Harper and Selena Harper; four grandchildren, Tasonte Miller, Tanasyiah Miller, Myles Harper, and Moses Harper; and four siblings, Robert (Iris) Harper, Wayne Harper, Joseph (Kathy) Harper and Mary Beth Harper; and a host of nieces and nephews.
He was preceded in death by his parents, a sister, Patricia O’Neal and two brothers, Charles Harper and Frank Harper.
Billy graduated from Manual High School, and started his college career at Labette Junior College, before attending at the University of Illinois. Billy played football throughout his college career and was team mates with Dick Butkus. Billy came back to Peoria where he worked at Caterpillar Inc. for over 38 years as a Service Trainer and Instructor before retiring in 2002.
Billy was a member of Northwoods Community Church and an avid Hand Ball and Racquet Ball player. Billy was inducted in to the Greater Peoria Sports Hall of Fame along with his fellow 1958 Manual Football Teammates.
A funeral service will be at 11:00 am on Thursday, January 21, 2021 with visitation one hour prior to the service at Davison-Fulton Woolsey-Wilton Funeral Home. Burial will follow the service at Resurrection Cemetery in Peoria.
Memorials may be made to the Parkinson Foundation. Online condolences can be submitted to www.woolsey-wilton.com.
DONATIONS
Parkinson Foundation
SHARE OBITUARY
v.1.8.18