Mr. Ralph William “Bill” Day, 85, of Abingdon, Illinois passed away at 6:30 am, Tuesday, September 8, 2026, at his son’s home in Carthage, Illinois.
Bill was born on August 6, 1941, in Avon, Illinois the son of Delwyn R. and Lucille (Franklin) Day. He married Sheila Jo Kreps on December 22, 1966, in Galesburg.
Surviving is his wife of 59 years, Sheila Day of Abingdon; his children, Teri (Jim) Norris and Tami (Yosh) Bowen both of Abingdon, Rick (Tammy) Day of New Berlin, Illinois and Dustin (Deanne) Day of Carthage, Illinois; nine grandchildren, Josh (Rhianna) Blevins, Nikki (Tim) Hoyt, Aly (Paul) Donsbauch, Amanda (Taran) McGraw, Chance (Morgan) Bowen, Kara (Joe) Bockius, Kendi Day, Caitlin (fiancé Logan Romager) Day, and Josie Day and nine great grandchildren, Parker, Xander, Abel, Kason, Harlee, Ava, Oliver, Dean and Jake. He is preceded in death by his parents and stepfather, George Holman, his brother Richard L. Day and his granddaughter, Casey Blevins.
Bill grew up in Abingdon, attending Abingdon schools and was drafted into the US Army serving from 1962-1964 during the Vietnam War. After returning home he worked as a carman for the Burlington Northern Sante Fe Railroad until his retirement. He was a member of the Abingdon American Legion Post #381, where he served on the Honor Guard and as the commander. Bill was involved in the Abingdon Community being an active member of the Abingdon Rotary Club and past president of the Abingdon Fair Grounds.
Private graveside services will be held at the Abingdon Cemetery with Military Honors. A Celebration of Bill’s life will be held Friday, September 11, 2026, at Stubby’s Bar in Abingdon beginning at 3:00 pm. Memorials may be made to the Honor Flight of the Quad Cities. Hinchliff-Pearson-West Funeral Directors and Cremation Services Abingdon Chapel is assisting his family with arrangements. Online condolences may be directed to www.h-p-w.com
