William Jesse Bumpus, Sr., was born in Spring Garden Township, Illinois on Thursday, November 17, 1921 to George Washington and Grace (Hughey) Bumpus. He went to be with the Lord, Friday, February 24, 2023 from his home in Broken Arrow, Oklahoma. He was 101 years of age.
Bill was a WWII Army Veteran who served in the Pacific Theater, 1941-1946, he was the epitome of the greatest generation! He met and then married the love of his life Dorthy Carolyn Gilliam, June 22, 1947 in Chicago, Illinois. They raised six children and their family continues to grow. His greatest joy was his family, he always said his family made him the richest man on earth. Bill was known for his gentle, loving nature, his thoughtfulness, his passion for his family and Country and great sense of humor that he passed on through the family.
Bill was a long time employee of General Electric and served as Chairman of their ECCO board. He was nationally recognized by GE for his outstanding service to his community by being awarded the Gerald L. Phillipi Award. He was involved with the Boy Scouts for 58 years and awarded the Silver Beaver. He coached Pony League, help start and build Caddy Vista school and the First Baptist Church of Oak Creek. He was a great and Godly Man.
He is survived by his sons, David Bumpus of Milwaukee, Wisconsin, Alan Bumpus of Kenosha, Wisconsin, William Bumpus, Jr. (Judy) of Neshkoro, Wisconsin , Robert Bumpus (Lori) of Amboy, Illinois; daughters, Cynthia Barnett (Alan Spielman) of Broken Arrow, Oklahoma, Karen Baattani (Jeff) of Waterford, Wisconsin; grandchildren, Becky, Megan, Christopher, Sarah, Emily, Jake, Amanda Dane, Erin, Ryan and Matthew; 26 great-grandchildren; 2 great-great-grandchildren; and many loving nieces, nephews, extended family members and friends.
Preceded in death by parents, George and Grace; wife, Carolyn Bumpus; grandson, Casey Bumpus; sisters, Georgia Fisher, AnnaBelle Griffith; brother, Robert Bumpus; son-in-law, Peter Barnett; daughter-in-law, Donna Bumpus.
A Visitation will be held Friday, March 10, 2023 from 5:00 pm to 7:00 pm at Hughey Funeral Home in Mount Vernon, Illinois. A Funeral Service will be held Saturday, March 11, 2023 at 11:00 am at Hughey Funeral Home in Mount Vernon, Illinois. Interment will follow at Hams Grove Cemetery in Opdyke, Illinois.
Call Hughey Funeral Home at 618-242-3348 or visit hugheyfh.com for further information.