William Reed Sheeley

and Mary Frances (Clutts), was born on Feb. 2, 1942, in Memphis, Tenn.

He died on Saturday, Oct. 9, 2010, at his home at the Lake of the Ozarks, Mo., surrounded by his wife and his brothers.

Bill had a happy childhood in Anna, where he first learned to hunt and fish. He graduated from Anna-Jonesboro Community High School in 1960. He left Anna to serve his country in the U.S. Marine Corps. Upon his return from the service he went on to earn his bachelor’s and master’s degrees from Southern Illinois University. He then started his career in manufacturing. He worked in diversified positions, in multiple states, retiring as plant manager for Ferguson Machine.

He always wanted to retire to the Lake of the Ozarks where he could enjoy the atmosphere, fish anytime and go deer and turkey hunting. He got his wish just not enough time.

He was preceded in death by his father and sister, Linda.

Survivors include his wife, Eileen Stanton; two sons, William Sheeley (wife Karla) of Wharton and Michael Sheeley of St. Louis; two daughters, Angela Sheeley and Mary Ann Goodson (husband Chris) of St. Louis; two stepchildren, Neelie Rapien of Knoxville, Tenn., and Len Rapien (wife Claridy) of St. Louis.

He is also survived by his mother, Mary Frances Sheeley of Anna; his brothers, John Sheeley (wife Barbara) of Detroit, Mich., and Richard Sheeley (wife Cathy) of Anna; and his lifelong friend, Bob Trokey of the Lake; along with nine grandchildren, one great-grandchild, various nieces and nephews and friends.

A memorial service will be held at the First Christian Church in Anna on Friday, Oct. 22, at 1 p.m. followed by military rites at VFW Post No. 3455 in Anna.