Bill Gwaltney

Mr. John William “Bill” Gwaltney, Sr., age 77, of Benton, IL; passed away at 12:06 a.m. Wednesday, February 7, 2024, at the Anchor Assisted Living in Marion, Illinois.

Graveside Services with Military Honors by the Benton American Legion Post #280, Benton V.F.W. Post # 2671, and the U.S. Army National Guard, will be held at 1:00 p.m. Monday, February 12, 2024, at the Masonic & Odd Fellows Cemetery of Benton, IL.  Brother Bob Brockett will officiate. The family requests that everyone meet at the cemetery. The Leffler Funeral Home of Benton is in charge of the services.

Bill was born on October 1, 1946, in Detroit, Michigan, the son of Beryl and Evelyn (Brown) Gwaltney.

Bill was a graduate of MTHS in McLeansboro, IL, and Eastern Illinois University of Charleston, IL. He proudly served in the U.S. Army during the Vietnam War era. Bill married Linda Webb on August 29, 1970, in McLeansboro and she survives.

Bill worked for Webb Oil Company, a family business, and retired from the State of Illinois Department of Transportation.

He enjoyed spending time with his family and especially his grandchildren. He also enjoyed golfing.

Bill was a man of God and a member of the Immanuel Baptist Church of Benton, IL.

Surviving is his wife of 53 years, Linda Gwaltney of Benton, IL; two sons: Bill Gwaltney, Jr. and wife Julie of Carterville, IL, Kent Gwaltney of Benton, IL; two grandchildren: Madison and Will Gwaltney both of Carterville, IL; a brother Bob Brockett and wife Ruth of McLeansboro, IL; a sister Kathy Pryer and husband Earl of McLeansboro, IL; a sister-in-law Sylvia Gwaltney of California; and several cousins, nieces, and nephews.

He was preceded in death by his parents: Beryl and Evelyn (Brown) Gwaltney; a brother Ron Gwaltney of California; a sister Glenda Mitchell and husband Everett. Bill was also blessed to have a second mom and dad: R.L. and Buneda Brockett of McLeansboro, IL, who also preceded him in death.

The family would like to extend a special “Thank You” to the caring staff at the Anchor for their attentive care for Bill.

Memorial contributions may be made in memory of Bill to the organization of the donor’s choice and will be accepted at the graveside services.

To leave online condolences to the family, or to share memories of Bill, go to www.lpfuneralhome.com

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