Billy L. Simpson, age 79, of Oquawka, Illinois; passed away at 7:57 am in the residence at 408 SE 7th Avenue in Galva, Illinois on Sunday June 11, 2023. He was born on April 10, 1944 in Knoxville, Illinois and is the son of Reverend John Paul and Lennie Vorene Scarborough Simpson. Billy was raised in the Greenville and Knoxville, Tennessee where he attended school. After his schooling, Billy was drafted in to the United States Army and attained the rank of Sp 4 serving in Fairbanks, Alaska. Billy married Linda Lou Tracy on July 27, 1968 in Galesburg, Illinois and she preceded him in death on December 26, 2013. Billy began work at Kidder’s Service Station in Galesburg, Illinois for a number of years. He then was employed by Burlington Northern Railroad and later BNSF in their maintenance depart as a Carman Craft. Billy retired from the railroad after 31 years. He enjoyed going to yard sales, working in his yard, cooking out on the grill, and playing his guitar. He loved to go fishing and camping when ever he could. Most of all he loved his family, grandchildren, great grandchildren, and his pet dog “Sissy”. He is survived by his daughter, Cherie Johnson (Jason Eastman) of Galva, IL and two sons, Billy L. Simpson II. of Oquawka, IL and Jared M. Simpson of Whitehouse, TN. There are six grandchildren, Shelby Bailey (Chase) of Oquawka, IL. Brittany Chapin (Wade Slee) of Mediapolis, IA. Lyndsy Simpson (Josh Conrad) also of Mediapolis, IA. Ryan Simpson of Oquawka, IL. Brady Clark (Jenni Schwigen) of Galva, IL. and Paul Eastman of Kewanee, IL. Seven great grandchildren also survive him, Caylynne Bailey, Maci Conrad, Brooklyne Chapin, Sage Slee, Dawson Magee, Draven Argylan, and Jeremy Conrad. Billy’s sister survives, Carol McCall in Abingdon, IL and his brother, Tom Simpson lives in Galesburg, IL. Billy’s former daughter in law, Rebecca Tobias Simpson survives him in Oquawka and his former son in law, Jeffrey W. Johnson also in Oquawka, Illinois. A number of nieces and nephews also survive.
A funeral service for Billy is planned for 10:30 am on Saturday June 17, 2023 at the Turnbull Funeral Home in Oquawka, Illinois. Interment with military honors is planned in Oquawka, Illinois following the funeral service. His family plans a visitation and will receive their friends at the funeral home from 5:00 to 7:00 pm on Friday evening of the 16th. To leave your remembrance or for more information, please continue on this site.
