William Ray "Bill" Blackwell
William Ray "Bill" Blackwell
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Bill worked in several different areas throughout his life, but one thing that was certain, he could always be found operating in some type of heavy equipment/machinery. He enjoyed working because he was always doing something he loved. Bill worked for Peabody Coal Mine, Prairie State Energy, C.O. Bannister, and the Local 520. He also loved to ride horses with his beloved wife, Sharon.
Bill is survived by his loving wife – Sharon "Sue" (née, Sanders) Blackwell of Tilden, IL to whom he married on December 12, 1959 in Johnston City, IL, celebrating a beautiful 66 years of marriage together; one sister – Betty Jean Bishop; nephew – Danny (wife, Sheryl) West of Goreville, IL; special friends – Paul (wife, Mary) Hahn and Henry Hurst; numerous nieces and nephews.
He was preceded in death by his parents; brothers – Don Blackwell, Paul Blackwell, Louis Blackwell, and Kenneth Blackwell; sisters – Mary Smothers and Irene Davis; brother-in-law – Jack Bishop.
Condolences to the family may be expressed at www.heilschuessler.com.
The Visitation will be held at the First Baptist Church of Tilden on Tuesday, July 29, 2025 from 5:00 to 8:00 p.m. and Wednesday, July 30, 2025 from 9:00 to 10:00 a.m. Funeral Services will take place on Wednesday, July 30, 2025 at 10:00 a.m. with Pastor Paul Hahn officiating. Committal Services will be held at Tanner Cemetery in Creal Springs, IL.
Heil-Schuessler & Sinn Funeral Home in Tilden, IL is in charge of arrangements
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847 St. Louis Ave., Tilden, IL 62292
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