Billy Joe Wilson, 83, of Walnut Hill, passed away at 11:15 a.m. Thursday, January 25, 2018, at Residential Living Center, in Mt. Vernon.

He was born July 3, 1934, in Mt. Vernon, the son of Joseph Daniel and Vesta (Dees) Wilson.  On July 26, 1953, in Springer Church, he married Jessie “Pug” Phelps, and she survives him in Walnut Hill.

He attended Bethel Grade School, and graduated from Mt. Vernon Township High School in 1952.  He served on the Grand Prairie School Board, and was an auto body repairman, and farmer.  He also served as a Deacon and Elder, as well as Sunday School Teacher, at Boyd Christian Church.  He was a family man, and loved his family, but mostly, he loved Jesus.

Mr. Wilson is survived by his wife, Jessie “Pug” Wilson of Walnut Hill;  two sons, Dan Wilson and wife Sue of Woodlawn, and Greg Wilson and wife Sue of Woodlawn;  six granddaughters;  ten great-grandchildren;  three sisters-in-law, Geraldine Wilson of Mt. Vernon, Mildred Wilson of Mt. Vernon, and Shirley Phelps of Centralia; and many nieces and nephews.

He was preceded in death by his parents; four brothers; and two sisters.

Funeral Services for Mr. Wilson will be held 12:00 p.m. (noon) Tuesday, January 30, 2018, at Boyd Christian Church, with Jeff Van Meter officiating.  Burial will follow at Boyd Cemetery.  Visitation will be held from 10:00 a.m. until the hour of service, on Tuesday, at the church.  Memorials may be made to the Boyd Christian Church and will be accepted at the service, or by mail to the Osborn Funeral Home, PO Box 130, Dix, Illinois 62830.  Online condolences may be made at www.osbornfuneral.com, or on the funeral home’s Facebook page.