Cover photo for William Leon Brayfield's Obituary
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1939 Bill Brayfield 2023

William Leon Brayfield

September 26, 1939 — May 4, 2023

Johnston City

William "Bill" Leon Brayfield, age 83, of Johnston City, Illinois, passed away on Thursday, May 4, 2023 at Union County Hospital in Anna, Illinois.

Bill was born September 26, 1939 in Cambria, Illinois, a son of Wathan and Lucy Jeanette (Milam) Brayfield. They preceded him in death as well as his sister, Lillian Helwig.

He married Fortune (Phelps) Brayfield on April 04, 1981 in Herrin. She survives. Also surviving are his two children, William "Billy" H. (Amber) Brayfield of Benton, Illinois and Kelly (Matt) Wilson of Tamms, Illinois; his four grandchildren, Eldon, Ella, Elsie, and Milam; sister-in-laws, Becky Phelps, Kate Phelps, and Velta Phelps; brother-in-laws, Gean (Ellie) Phelps, Tim (Lora) Phelps, and David (Erin) Phelps.

Bill proudly served in the United States Navy from 1957-1961. Many will remember him as a manager for the notorious Illinois Cafe in Herrin. After that, he was self-employed as a painting contractor, retiring in 2020.

Bill was an avid hunter and fisherman. He enjoyed watching the St. Louis Cardinals and the Chicago Bears but his favorite past-time was spending time with his family. His grandkids meant the world to him. Bill will be missed by many.

Visitation will be Saturday, May 6th, 2023 from 5:00 PM - 7:00 PM at the funeral home. Funeral services will be held Sunday, May 7, 2023, 2:00 PM at Johnson-Hughes Funeral Home with Dr. Bob Dickerson officiating and Mr. Richard Ditch speaking. Burial will follow at Cundiff Cemetery, where he will be laid to rest next to his parents. Military honors will be presented by the American Legion Post 347, American Legion Post 645, VFW Post 1567, and the US Navy Ritual Team.

To order memorial trees or send flowers to the family in memory of William Leon Brayfield, please visit our flower store.

Service Schedule

Past Services

Visitation for William Leon Brayfield

Saturday, May 6, 2023

5:00 - 7:00 pm

Johnson-Hughes Funeral Home

201 S 13th St, Herrin, IL 62948

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Funeral for William Leon Brayfield

Sunday, May 7, 2023

Starts at 2:00 pm

Johnson-Hughes Funeral Home

201 S 13th St, Herrin, IL 62948

Enter your phone number above to have directions sent via text. Standard text messaging rates apply.

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