Johnny Wayne Billingsley

Johnny Wayne Billingsley, age 82 years, a resident of Goreville passed away Saturday morning, March 18, 2023, at 11:20 AM at Integrity Health Care in Marion. Johnny Wayne was born February 11, 1941 in Johnson County Illinois. He was the son of Loyd Basil Billingsley and Mary Helen (Stewart) Billingsley. On July 25, 1963, Johnny Wayne was united in marriage to Judy Ann Cagle at Grange Hall Freewill Baptist Church in Williamson County Illinois. She survives. Johnny Wayne is also survived by: a daughter – Johnie Dene’ Billingsley Edwards of Goreville; a granddaughter – Bailey Ann Edwards of St. Louis, Missouri; a brother – Gary Lynn Billingsley of Goreville; 3 sisters – Betty Peterman, Laura (Randy) Palmowski, and Mary Wright all of Goreville; a sister-in-law – Lawanda Billingsley of Goreville; and a host of nieces, nephews, cousins, other relatives and many dear friends. In addition to his parents, Johnny Wayne was preceded in death by – an infant brother – Timothy Billingsley; 2 brothers – Loyd Lavon Billingsley and Donald Lewis Billingsley; 2 sisters-in-law – Geraldine Billingsley and Michele Billingsley; 3 brothers-in-law – Dean Peterman, Ronnie Kelley, and Terry Wright. Johnny Wayne was a 1959 graduate of Goreville High School. Following his graduation, Johnny Wayne was employed by Diamond Wire & Cable in Sycamore, Illinois. Following his return to Southern Illinois, Johnny Wayne founded Billingsley Trucking Company in 1962. He owned and operated the trucking company for 27 years. In 1991, Johnny Wayne became the supervisor & coordinator of the truck driving program at Shawnee Community College. Additionally, he accepted a position at the Vienna Correctional Center in 1992 as a stationary fireman. He retired from the department of corrections in 2004. Johnny Wayne was very civic and community minded. He was a member of Saline Masonic Lodge # 339 A.F. & A.M. and was a 32nd Degree Scottish Rite Mason. He also had served as a longtime Republican Goreville I precinct committeeman. Johnny Wayne was a faithful Christian. He was a member and served as a deacon for over 25 years at Grange Hall Free Will Baptist Church and White Ash Free Will Baptist Church. More recently, Johnny Wayne and Judy were members of Busby Chapel Free Will Baptist Church. Johnny Wayne was an avid Goreville Blackcats, SIU Salukis, and St. Louis Cardinals supporter. Johnny Wayne cherished time spent with family and loved playing with his “granddogs” Minnie and Izzy. Funeral services will be conducted Wednesday morning, March 22, 2023, at 11 AM at Busby Chapel Freewill Baptist Church, 7715 State Route 37 North, Goreville, Illinois. Pastor Darrin Clark will officiate. Burial will be in the Busby Chapel Cemetery. Honored to serve as pallbearers - Bradley Cagle, Eric Cagle, John Paul Billingsley, Eric Billingsley, Nickolas Billingsley, Austin Norris, and Senator Dale Fowler. Visitation will be held Tuesday, March 21, 2023, from 5 PM – 8 PM at Bailey Funeral Home in Vienna. Additionally, there will be a time of visitation Wednesday morning, March 22, 2023, from 10 AM – 11 AM at Busby Chapel Church. Masonic rites will be accorded Tuesday evening, March 21, 2023, at 8 PM at the funeral home. Memorial donations may be made to the Busby Chapel Freewill Baptist Church (building fund), P.O. Box 354, Goreville, IL 62939.

Johnny Wayne Billingsley

February 11, 1941 - March 18, 2023