William “Bill” Ben Byars, 85, of Bluford, Illinois, passed away at 10:36 am November 13, 2022, at his residence.
He was born February 1, 1937, in Wayne County, Illinois to the late Edgar and Mary (Ritchie) Byars. Bill married Judith A. (McKinney) Byars on September 26, 1986, at Mount Olive Church in Bluford, Illinois. They were blessed with thirty-two years of marriage before she preceded him in death on October 10, 2018.
Bill is survived by his children, Kim Byars Hampton and husband, Mark of Greenbriar, Tennessee, Barbara Richardson and husband, Bob of Bluford, Illinois, Ginger Stewart and husband, Brian of Mount Vernon, Illinois, Rick Daniels and wife, Angie of Bluford, Illinois; grandchildren, Jennifer Brandt and husband, Tim, Adam Hampton and wife, Marcie, Laura Mabry and husband, Alex, Troy Richardson and wife, Jaime, Kendra Smith, Blake Richardson and wife, Amanda, Shayla Sandberg and husband, Craig, Colton Thomas and wife, Shantavia, Darion Buchanan Justin, and Shanna Wright and husband, Nathan; twenty-six great-grandchildren, four great-great-grandchildren; longtime friend, Maxine Braddy; and brother-in-law, Larry Scarbrough.
In addition to his parents and wife, Bill was preceded in death by his stepdad, Willis Chambliss; daughter, Valerie A. Daniels; grandson, Brandan L. Daniels; great-granddaughter, McKenzie Smith; brother, Glen Dale Byars; sisters, Joann Wolfe and Joyce Scarbrough.
Bill worked as an automotive mechanic his whole life. He was of the Baptist Faith, a volunteer fireman for Webber Township, and a member of the Bluford Ruritan Club. He spent his spare time mowing Oakdale Cemetery, Fire Barn, and the Methodist Church. Bill enjoyed bird hunting and Massey Ferguson Tractors. His greatest passion was spending time with his family. Bill will be greatly missed.
A Visitation will be held Thursday, November 17, 2022 from 11:00 am to 1:00 pm at Hughey Funeral Home in Mount Vernon, Illinois. A Funeral Service will begin at 1:00 pm with Reverend Don Rector officiating. Interment will follow at Oakdale Cemetery in Bluford, Illinois. Memorials may be made in Bill’s honor to Oakdale Cemetery.
Call Hughey Funeral Home at 618-242-3348 or visit hugheyfh.com for further information.
