Billy Gene Bearden II Obituary - Visitation & Funeral Information

Billy G. Bearden, II, age 52, of Marion, IL, passed away at 8:50 p.m. on Tuesday, August 25, 2015 in Heartland Regional Medical Center. He was born on Saturday, April 6, 1963, in Marion, IL the son of Billy Gene and Mary E. (Rodgers) Bearden. Billy was a lifelong resident of Marion, IL and was a 1981 graduate of Marion High School and for many years attended the Church of God in Marion. Billy enjoyed all aspects of NASCAR racing and attended many races. He always loved being outdoors and enjoyed boating on area lakes, walking and visiting with his many neighbors and especially enjoyed spending time with his many good friends and high School class mates. Billy worked in construction for many years until his health failed in May of 2004. He was very talented and was always willing to help out a family member or a friend when he could. His memory will be cherished by those who knew and loved him. He was especially proud of the accomplishments of his daughter, Rebecca and her commitment to the Peace Corp. He is survived by his daughter, the love of his life, Rebecca Bettinger, currently serving in the Peace Corp in Ethiopia; his mother, Mary E. Bloodworth of Marion, IL; two sisters, Kathi and Ron Price and Debbi Wierman all of Marion, IL; three uncles, Leo Powell, Elmer Rodgers and Edgar and Gail Rodgers all of Marion, IL; four nephews, Ron Price and Zena, Pete and Michelle Price, Jared Kearney and Dean Atkinson; six special cousins, Randy Rodgers, Danny Rodgers, Jim Powell, David Powell, Gina Leman and Kendra Bearden, several other cousins other extended family and many close friends. He was preceded in death by his father, Billy Gene Bearden; step-father, Clarence Bloodworth; nephew, Matthew David Kearney; brother-in-law, Steve Wierman; aunt, Shirley Powell and uncle, Kenney Bearden. Arrangements for Billy Gene Bearden II were entrusted to the Wilson-McReynolds Funeral Home, 900 N. Court Street, of Marion, IL. The time of the visitation was from 4:00 p.m. to 7:00 p.m. on Tuesday, September 1st at the funeral home. During the time of visitation a “Reflection of Life” DVD Memorial Tribute featuring special people, places and events of Billy’s life was presented to the family and friends. The funeral service was at 1:30 p.m. on Wednesday, September 2, 2015, with Rev. Derek Shaw presiding. The prelude and postlude musical selections were recorded piano selections. Special recorded vocal musical selection presented at the end of the service was “Free Bird” by Lynyrd Skynyrd. Interment followed in Rose Hill Cemetery of Marion, IL. Pallbearers were Jared Kearney, Cliff Martin, Terry Clark, Danny Rodgers, Pete Price and Jack Armstrong. Following the committal service at the cemetery the family and friends gathered at the home of Billy’s sister, Debbi Wierman for a meal and continued time of fellowship and support. For those who preferred, memorial contributions were made to “American Heart Association” and mailed in care of Wilson-McReynolds Funeral Home, P.O. Box 370, Marion, IL 62959. Memorial envelopes were available at the funeral home. For additional information please contact the funeral home by calling 618-993-2131.

Billy Gene Bearden II

April 6, 1963 - August 25, 2015