Bill Phillips

Rantoul - Billy Joe Phillips, 88, of Rantoul passed away on Wednesday, July 28, 2021 at 5:45 am at his home.

Billy Joe was born on December 30, 1932, of Herrin Illinois to Joe Henry and Hazel (Yates) Phillips.   He married Lorraine Cronin on June 2, 1956, in Herrin Illinois.   She survives of Rantoul. 

Mr. Phillips was a veteran of the Korean War having served in the US Air Force.   He retired Federal Civil Service from Chanute Air Force Base after thirty-four years of service.   He then worked for Roessler Construction Company as General Manager of Rantoul Truck Equipment.

Mr. Phillips was an active member of Rantoul First Baptist and the Promise Keepers.   He was a member of Masonic Lodge #460 AF & AM, Danville Consistory and a life member of the Veterans of Foreign Wars.    He was a past member of the Kiwanis’s Club and enjoyed woodworking. 

Survivors include:

Wife, Lorraine C. Phillips of Rantoul

Daughter, Kendra (Brent) Little of Rantoul

Daughter, Diana (Robert Gray) Phillips-Gray of Tuscola

Grand Children, Jori Noelle Little, Chet (Devon) Little, Chase Little all of Rantoul  

Great Grand Child, Kaiyren Little of Rantoul  

Sisters, Alice Crawford of Herrin, IL, Debbie Hutchens of Herrin

Brothers, Charles (Verla) Baily of Herrin,  James (Gayla) Baily all of Tunnel Hill,

Sister In-Law, Diane Hughes of Marion

Many beloved Nieces and Nephews

He was proceeded in death by his parents, Brody Little (great grandson), Raymond Baily (brother), Wanda (Robert) Jackson (sister), Larry G Hughes (brother In-Law), Ryan Hughes (nephew). 

The funeral service will be Saturday, July 31, at 10:30AM at the Rantoul First Baptist Church officiated by Rev. Dan DeWitt.    Burial will follow at Maplewood Cemetery in Rantoul.   Military rites will be performed at graveside.   Visitation will be from 5:00PM – 7:00PM at the church fellowship hall with Masonic Rites being performed at 5:00PM.    Mitchell-Hughes Funeral Home in Marion is assisting the family with arrangements.

Memorial donations are suggested to Rantoul First Baptist Harmony Class and envelopes will be available at the church.  For more information or to sign the memorial guest register visit www.hughesfuneralhomes.com.