William A. Davis

Goreville- William A. Davis, age 85, of Goreville, passed away at 6:40pm on Thursday, September 12, 2013 at Herrin Hospital.  He was born in Johnson County on October 13, 1927, the son of John and Kattie (Hancock) Davis. Bill worked thirty-eight years for the Illinois Central Railroad, retiring in 1986.  For years, he enjoyed working in his garden and raising and riding his horses. He was a member of the First Baptist Church in Goreville and a fifty-eight year member of the Masonic Lodge #339. He was veteran of the United States Army. Bill married Imogene Purdue in 1950.  From that union was born one daughter, Cathy (David) Blaise of Murphysboro. In 1967, he married Evelyn Kelley of Goreville. Survivors include his wife- Evelyn Davis of Goreville Daughter- Cathy and David Blaise of Murphysboro Three grandchildren- Daniel and Amy Blaise of Marion Darin and Jennifer Blaise of Dekalb Melissa and Rocky Blaine of Murphysboro Six great grandchildren Step-daughter- Darlene and Rick Roach of Goreville Step-son- Richard and Joyce Kelley of Goreville Two step-granddaughters Four step- great grandchildren Bill was preceded in death by his parents, brother- Albert Davis, and two sisters- Agnes Davis and Afton Jenkins. Funeral services will be held at 10:00am on Monday, September 16, 2013 at Blue Funeral Home in Goreville with Dr. Ron Ferguson officiating. Burial will follow at Pleasant Grove Memorial Park in Murphysboro. Visitation will be held from 5-8pm on Sunday evening, September 15, 2013 at Blue Funeral Home in Goreville.  Masonic rites will be performed at the funeral home at 6pm on Sunday evening, by the Saline Masonic Lodge #339. For those who prefer, memorial donations may be made to Hospice of Southern Illinois or St. Jude’s Children’s Research Hospital.  Envelopes will be available and accepted at Blue Funeral Home; PO Box 411; Marion, IL 62959.