William E. Bell

William E. Bell, 86, of Peoria passed away Saturday Nov 17, 2012 at OSF St. Francis Medical Center in Peoria. He was born on October 6, 1926 in Johnston City, IL the son of James W. and LaVerne Threlkeld Bell. He married Betty McMillan on November 15, 1947 in Johnston City, IL. He is survived by his wife of 65 years, two sons Kevin (Kristine) Bell of Myrtle Beach, SC and Keith (Sheila) Bell of Savannah, GA. Also surviving is one granddaughter Tera Bell of St. Louis, MO, three grandsons, Bradley of Savannah GA, Christopher and Joshua both of Myrtle Beach, SC as well as one sister Thelma Howell of Johnston City, IL. A 1945 graduate of Johnston City High School, he then served during WWII in the US Army before being honorably discharged. Bill attended the Sheet Metal Workers apprenticeship program in Peoria, and was the former owner of Air Control Heating and Air Conditioning and the Silver Dollar Tap both in Peoria Heights. Bill is a member of the Joseph Robbins Lodge 930 AF&AM and the Scottish Rite Bodies Valley of Peoria, as well as a former member of the Mohammed Shrine Temple, Abbas Grotto, Elks Lodge #20, Sheet Metal Workers Local #1, and University United Methodist Church in Peoria. Bill was a lifelong St. Louis Cardinal baseball and Chicago Bears football fan. He loved his family more than anything, and was a people person who enjoyed life to the fullest with his family and friends. Cremation rites have been accorded with a Celebration of Life Service to be scheduled at a later date. Memorials in his name may be given to Shriners Hospital for Children.