Billy Joe Weinstein

Billy Joe Weinstein, age 76 years, a resident of rural Tunnel Hill, passed away Friday afternoon, November 7, 2014, at 5:20 PM at Baptist Health in Paducah, Kentucky. Bill was born September 7, 1938 in Memphis, Tennessee. He was the son of Adolph Joseph Weinstein and Edith LaVerne (Richmond) Weinstein. On August 10, 1968, Bill was united in marriage to Ann Harper-Simmons at the Reynoldsburg Church near Tunnel Hill. She survives. In addition to his wife, Bill is survived by: his daughter – Ruthanne Lewis, and her husband Keith of Tunnel Hill; a granddaughter – Joey Ann Francis, and her husband Keith “Weiner” of Tunnel Hill; 2 great grandsons – Tucker L. Francis and Tyler D. Francis.; a brother – Samuel Weinstein, and his wife Karen of Seguin, Texas; 2 sisters – Rebecca Veltman of Hermosa Beach, California and Glenda Hawkins of South Haven, Mississippi; a dear and special cousin, who Bill thought of as a sister, Charlene Lewis, and her husband Harold, of Carlisle, Arkansas; as well as nieces, nephews, other relatives and many dear friends. In addition to his parents, Bill was preceded in death by a great-granddaughter – Mahalie Deann Francis. Bill was a 1957 graduate of Pacific Grove High School in Pacific Grove, California. He then attended Union University, where he earned his Bachelor Degree in Music in 1962. While attending Union University, Bill was a member of the Phi Mu Linfonia Fraternity of America. Bill had continued his education and had accumulated many of the hours required for a Master’s Degree in Administration. From August 15, 1962- August 14, 1964, Bill served in the U.S. Army. He was a member of the 98th Army Band at Fort Rucker, Alabama. During his military service, Bill was honored to play Taps for many military funeral services. Bill was honorably discharged with the rank of SPC 4. In August 1964, Bill was hired to teach music at the Vienna High School and continued in that position for 15 years. He then worked as a salesman for Moorman Feed Company and later associated with Lawrence and Bean Insurance Company in Vienna as an agent, working until his health began to decline a few weeks ago. Bill loved to farm and had a great love of the land. He has raised registered black angus cattle for many years. Bill served for many years as a member of the Johnson County Housing Authority Board. He had also been a member of the Masonic fraternity. Bill and Ann worshiped together at the Vienna First United Methodist Church. Bill had a passion for music, was an excellent vocalist and enjoyed dancing. He was devoted to his family and loved spending time with them. He particularly enjoyed attending his granddaughter’s and later his great-grandson’s sporting events and activities. His love of sports extended to the professional level and he was a dedicated fan of the St. Louis Cardinal’s baseball team. Bill will be remembered for his love of “family, music, and cows.” Funeral services were conducted Wednesday morning, November 12, 2014, at 11 AM at Bailey Funeral Home in Vienna. Pastor Larry Moreau and Pastor Wesley Harper officiated. Musician Sharon Emery provided the song selection. Burial was in the Reynoldsburg Cemetery near Tunnel Hill. Pallbearers included: Keith "Weiner" Francis, Tucker Francis, Kelly Harper, Jason Harper, Bryan Johns, Wayne Dunn, and Tyler Francis. Visitation was held Tuesday evening, November 11, 2014, from 5 PM – 8 PM at Bailey Funeral Home in Vienna. Memorials may be made to the Reynoldsburg Cemetery Fund, c/o Bob Harper, 30 Harpertown Lane, Tunnel Hill, IL 62972, the True Vine Ministry, Vienna First United Methodist Church, P.O. Box 1349, Vienna, IL 62995 or to the Heather Harper Treat Memorial Fund, P.O. Box 98, Vienna, IL 62995.

Billy Joe Weinstein

September 7, 1938 - November 7, 2014