Billy J. Wallace

Mr. Billy Joe “Bill” Wallace, 80, of Flora, Illinois, died at 9:15 p.m., Saturday, February 27, 2016, at Flora Gardens Care Center in Flora, Illinois.  Bill was born on July 23, 1935, to Orville and Verda (Fowler) Wallace in Nashville, Illinois.  He graduated from Flora Township High School in 1954 where he enjoyed playing football for the Flora Wolves.  In 1974, Bill married Ruth Nadine (Nail) Kessler.  He attended Eastern Illinois University earning his Bachelor’s degree and furthered his education at Murray State where he received his Master’s degree.  As a teacher, he started his career at Xenia Grade School and worked in the Flora CUSD #35 until his retirement in 1992.  In addition to teaching, Bill and Nadine had a great interest in antiques and owned and operated Wallace Antiques in Flora for several years.  He was a member of the Flora First Christian Church, Flora Masonic Lodge #204, Clay County Chapter of the Gideon’s International, and 57 year member of Flora Elks Lodge #1659 where he served as Exalted Ruler from 1973 -74. 

Bill is survived by his wife, Ruth Nadine Wallace of Flora, IL, sister, Barbra Zuber of Green Cover Springs, FL, brother, Orville R. “Bud” Wallace, of Salem, IL,  step-daughter, Elaine Graham and husband Phil of Milton, IL, step-grandchildren, Shelley R. Vogel and husband Regis, of Fullerton, CA, Judy K. Wills and husband Tim of Yorba Linda, CA, Karrie L. Spann and husband Mike of Milton, IL, and Danny Graham and wife Jenny of Milton, IL, 3 step-great-grandchildren, Jayson, Phillip, and Taylor, and many nieces, nephews, great-nieces, and great-nephews.  He was preceded in death by his parents, sister, Iola Jean Daily, and step-daughter, Janice Stoltz.

Funeral services will be at 1:00 p.m., Wednesday, March 2, 2016, at Kohn Funeral Home in Flora, Illinois, with Masonic rites at 1:00 p.m.  Friends may call from 11 a.m. – 1:00 p.m. at Kohn Funeral Home in Flora, Illinois. Burial following at Elmwood Cemetery Flora, Illinois. Expressions of sympathy should take the form on donations to the Flora First Christian Church.  Online condolences may be expressed at www.kohnfuneralhome.com

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