Billy J. Pankey

CHARLESTON, IL – Billy Joe Pankey, age 88 of Charleston, went to his Heavenly Home on Thursday, November 19, 2020 while at Hilltop Skilled Nursing and Rehab.  Visitation will be held from 10:00 - 11:00 a.m. on Wednesday, November 25, 2020 at East Harrison Street Church of God, 17996 E. Harrison Street Road – Charleston.  A Memorial Service, honoring and celebrating his life, will begin at 11:00 a.m. immediately following the visitation, with Pastor Curt Weaver officiating.  Inurnment will follow in Roselawn Cemetery in Charleston.  In lieu of flowers, memorials may be made to Bill’s family and mailed to Adams Funeral Chapel, 2330 Shawnee Drive, Charleston, IL  61920.

Bill was born November 26, 1931 in Filson, Illinois and was the son of Thomas J. and Anna Leah (Mattox) Pankey.  He married Helen Louise Waggle on February 4, 1953 marking the beginning of a marriage that would endure 67 years until her death on May 8, 2020.  Left with many fond memories are his children, Curtis Alan Pankey and Lori Ann (Curt) Grissom, all of Charleston; two grandchildren, Kyle (Stephanie) Sims of Ashmore and Mindy Sims of Charleston; two step-grandchildren, John Grissom and Matt Grissom; five great-grandchildren, Kolten, Karter, Skylar, Kane and Huckley Sims; a step-great-grandchild, Gunnar Grissom; his sister, Betty Murphy of Savoy, Illinois; and numerous nieces and nephews.  In addition to his parents and wife, Bill was preceded in death by a great-grandchild, MacKenzie Boyle; three brothers, Richard, Lee and Everett Pankey; and a sister Phyllis Draper.

Bill was a graduate of Charleston High School and was employed with Moore Buildings in Charleston for 28 years as a carpenter and foreman.  He was a member of East Harrison Street Church of God as well as the Coles County Farm Bureau.

Bill possessed a deep and abiding faith in God and enjoyed attending church and spending time with his church family.  His love for the sport of bowling and his membership in several bowling leagues resulted in long-lasting friendships.  Bill did his part in recycling by collecting aluminum cans and on occasion he enjoyed some time spent fishing. He truly loved to go camping, ride his bicycle, play bingo, cards, or a game of marbles with family and friends.  Bill’s family were near and dear to him and enjoyed the many special times spent together, especially when the grandchildren and great-grandchildren were in attendance.  His presence will truly be missed but he will always be remembered through the many wonderful memories of special times shared.

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