William L. Drew, Jr.

William was born March 22, 1948, in Springfield, IL, the son of William L. Sr. and Frankie V. Brassfield Drew.

He graduated from Lanphier High School in 1966 and proudly served his country in the U.S. Army during the Vietnam War. William was the first one in his family to earn a degree. He earned his Associate of Arts degree from Lincoln Land Community College in 1989 and a second associate degree in education in 1990. He went on to earn his bachelor’s degree in business management from the University of Illinois at Springfield in 1992. William began working at the Greyhound Bus Depot and then for Sangamo Electric as a testing and meter adjuster for 6 years. He then went on to work for the State of Illinois Department of Health and Human Services for 31 years until his retirement.

William fought for what he thought was right and liked to help others. He was a member of Second Timothy Baptist Church, the Salvation Army Friendship Club, and the Pastoral Care with Memorial Medical Center. William was also on the Disaster Assistance Team with the American Red Cross. William enjoyed bowling, computers, Chinese artwork, and calligraphy.

He was preceded in death by his parents and brother, Anthony L. Drew.

William is survived by his siblings, Patricia Lewis, Bobbie (Willie) Drew-Van, Frank (Joan Mercy) Drew, Isola (Manuel Davis) Drew, Margaret Alicia Drew, Calvin Drew, Sr., Connie Drew, and Marla Drew, and a host of nieces, nephews, and cousins.

Cremation was provided by Butler Cremation Tribute Center prior to ceremonies.

Memorial Ceremony: 4:00 - 4:30 p.m. on Sunday, July 9, 2023, at Butler Funeral Home - Springfield, 900 S. 6th St., Springfield, with Celebrant Judy Woerner officiating. A Memorial Gathering will follow until 7:00 p.m.

Graveside Ceremony: 10:00 a.m. on Monday, July 10, 2023, at Camp Butler National Cemetery, with military honors by the Department of Defense and Interveterans Burial Detail of Sangamon County.

Memorial contributions may be made to the St. John’s Breadline, 430 N. 5th St., Springfield, IL 62702.