Billie D. Joyner
</element><element id="paragraph-1" type="body"><![CDATA[Billie D. Joyner, 76, of Chatham, passed away at 5:20 p.m. on Thursday, April 21, 2011, at St. John's Hospice of Lung Cancer.
He was born July 14, 1934, in Shawneetown to the late Louis Kermit Joyner and Bertha Talandis. He was also preceded in death by his brothers, Louis Kermit Jr. and Ronald Wayne Joyner.
Bill graduated from Shawneetown Community High School and went on to serve his country first with the U.S. Marine Corps. He later joined the Illinois Army National Guard and worked full time before retiring as Sergeant Major after 37 years of military service.
Bill enjoyed mushroom hunting in April, gardening, playing golf, fishing and hunting. He was an active life member of the TRN Club, American Legion Post No. 32 and Elks Lodge No. 2705 in Laurie, Mo.
He married Mary Francis Gille on April 19, 1975, and she survives him in Chatham. Also surviving are his daughter, Kelly (husband, Michael) Withers of Washington; two grandsons, Zachary and Austin; and several special nieces, nephews, great-nieces, including Amber and Ashley Aarup; and great-nephews.
Cremation was accorded by Butler Cremation Tribute Center.
Graveside ceremonies are noon Thursday, April 28, 2011, at Camp Butler National Cemetery with military honors, with Pastor Fred Prince officiating.
Memorial contributions may be made to: Camp COCO, 927 N. Rutledge St. P.O. Box 19666, Springfield, Ill. 62794.
The family of Billie D. Joyner is being served by Kirlin-Egan and Butler Funeral Home, 900 S. 6th St., Springfield.
Please visit the Internet site www.butlerfuneralhomes.com to offer your condolences.