Billy Ralph Petrea, 79, of Centralia, passed away peacefully on Wednesday, May 29, 2024, at his home surrounded by his family.
He was born Sept 4, 1944, in Centralia, IL, born to Willis and Tella (Meredith) Petrea. He married Rose Marie Beadle in 1966 and they later divorced. They shared a daughter Melinda Hamburg of Pahrump, Nevada.
He married Karen (Ring) Petrea on November 20, 1977, and she survives in Centralia, IL. Billy will be mourned by his loving children and bonus children: Jeremy Bone (Rachel) of Marion, IL; Misty Wernsman (Brian), Kristy Adams (Kent) both of Centralia, IL.; John Bone (Jessi) of Centralia, Jeff Bone of Irvington. He is also survived by grandchildren: Heaven, Landon, Rachael, Lexie, Maddie, Chelsea, Haylea, Abbey, London, Leia, Britni, Caitlyn, Zoey, Paisley, and Caleb and several great grand-children.
He was preceded in death by his parents: Willis and Tella Petrea, a sister: Tressa Hickey, and his beloved fur baby Repunzel.
Billy served in the United States Army. He retired from Illinois Central Railroad as a locomotive engineer, after 38 years of service. He was a member of Central City Baptist Church. He was an antique power engine enthusiast, and always looked forward to attending the Antique Power Days. He also enjoyed Harley riding, blue grass music, fishing & hunting, and tinkering in the garage. In his younger days he was an avid roller skater, and loved showing off his skills to his grandkids.
Billy never met a stranger, and was known for his outgoing personality.
Funeral Services will be held Tuesday, June 4, 2024, at 11:00 am at the Sutherland-Garnier Funeral Home in Centralia with Pastor Don Verhines and Pastor Steve Upchurch officiating. Burial will follow at Hillcrest Memorial Park in Centralia. Military Honors will be accorded at the gravesite by the Centralia American Legion Post 446 and the Centralia V.F.W. Post 2055. Visitation will be held Monday, June 3, 2024 from 5:00 pm to 7:00 pm at the funeral home. In lieu of flowers, donations can be made to Cardinal Glennon Children’s Hospital, and the Centralia Humane Society and will be accepted at the Sutherland-Garnier Funeral Home at 235 North Sycamore Street Centralia, Illinois 62801, 618-532-3523, which is honored to be of service to Billy’s Family. Online condolences may be made to the family by visiting www.sutherlandfuneralhome.com.
