Jackie Dale Willyard

August 5, 1939 - April 12, 2018

Jackie Dale Willyard, age 78 years, a resident of Goreville, passed away Thursday morning, April 12, 2018, at 6:10 AM at Hillview Healthcare Center in Vienna. Jackie was a former longtime resident of Joliet, Illinois. Jackie was born August 5, 1939 in Buncombe, Illinois. He was the son of Ralph Jackson Willyard and Bessie Jane (White) Willyard. Jackie is survived by: his children – Jacqueline Ann (Dana) Willyard-Wright of Aurora, Colorado and Michael John (Teresa) Willyard of Highlands Ranch, Colorado; 4 grandchildren – Chloe Ann Wright, Lisa Renee (Alex) Willyard, Brooke Marie Willyard, and Kate Elise Willyard; and 2 great grandchildren – Zandeleigh Mae Willyard and Beauregard John Willyard. In addition to his parents, Jackie was preceded in death by a half brother – Roy Lee Perry. Jackie was a U.S. Navy veteran. He served from 1956 until his honorable discharge in 1960. Jackie was employed as an officer at the Stateville Correctional Center. Later, he worked as a machinist for 30 years at Caterpillar, Inc. in Joliet. At the time of his retirement, Jackie had advanced to the position of final inspector. Jackie was a 35 year member of the International Association of Machinists and Aerospace Workers. Jackie was a member of the Catholic faith. He was an avid outdoorsman and enjoyed hunting and fishing. A graveside service honoring the life of Jackie Dale Willyard will be conducted Thursday morning, April 19, 2018, at 11 AM at Busby Chapel Cemetery south of Goreville. Military graveside rites will be accorded. The rosary will be prayed Wednesday afternoon, April 18, 2018, at 4 PM at Bailey Funeral Home in Vienna. Visitation will begin at 4:30 PM immediately following the prayer service and continue until 6 PM. Memorials may be made to St. Paul Catholic Church, 2020 State Route 146 East, Vienna, IL 62995.