William J. Gulley

William Jesse “Bill” Gulley, age 94 years, a resident of Vienna, passed away Thursday morning, May 8, 2014, at 10:15 AM at Baptist Health in Paducah, Kentucky. Bill was born October 25, 1919 in Ullin, Illinois. He was the son of Louis Isaac Gulley and Cora Mae (Severs) Gulley. Bill is survived by: his children – William Lewis Gulley of Valier, Jessie Lee (Ed) Smith of Alton, and Tina Lynn (Steve) Penrod of Vienna; 7 grandchildren – Mike, Jeff, Michelle, Scott, Robert, Staci, and Stephani; several great grandchildren; 3 sisters – Blanche Mize of Cairo, Wilma Swadner of Peoria, and Nina Goines of Wetaug; as well as a host of nieces, nephews, other relatives and many dear friends. In addition to his parents, Bill was preceded in death by: a daughter-in-law Ruth Ann Gulley; 3 brothers – Elmer Gulley, Arlie Gulley and Louis “Pete” Gulley; and 2 sisters – Myrtle Dauksch and Mary Crader. Bill had attended the Wetaug Public School. Bill was a U.S. Army veteran. He served in the Pacific Theater of operation during World War II. He was honorably discharged with the rank of Technical Sergeant. Bill was an active member of the Beggs-Gurley VFW Post in Vienna, where he was recognized in 2005 for 16 years service as Post Commander. Bill was employed for 42 years by the Illinois Central Railroad. He had served as a bridge and building inspector and last worked as the carpenter’s shop foreman in the Carbondale rail yard. Bill retired in 1979. He was a member of the Brotherhood of Maintenance of Way employees. Bill was a member of New Columbia Masonic Lodge # 336, a 32nd degree Scottish Rite Mason and member of the Ancient Arabic Order Nobles of the Mystic Shrine (Ainad Temple). Bill was a member of the Church of Christ and worshipped at Central Church of Christ in Paducah. Bill was an avid outdoorsman. He loved to mow and enjoyed spending time sitting on the deck feeding the fish. He supported and enjoyed attending local school sporting events and spending time drinking coffee with his buddies at McDonald’s. As a carpenter, Bill appreciated the skill of building and crafting. He cherished his family and especially loved to spend time with his grandchildren and great grandchildren. Funeral services will be conducted Saturday afternoon, May 10, 2014, at 5 PM at Bailey Funeral Home in Vienna. Brother Jim Faughn and Bro. Ronnie Gulley will officiate. Burial will be in the Vienna Fraternal Cemetery. Military graveside rites will be accorded by the Beggs-Gurley VFW Post and the Illinois National Guard burial honors detail. Visitation will be from 2 PM – 5 PM Saturday at the funeral home. In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to any U.S. Veterans Service Organization in Bill’s memory.

William J. Gulley

October 25, 1919 - May 8, 2014