Bill Searcy

GRAVESIDE SERVICES WILL BE CONDUCTED AT 11:30 A.M., MONDAY, SEPTEMBER 24, 2018, AT MOUND CITY NATIONAL CEMETERY IN MOUND CITY, ILLINOIS, WITH MILITARY HONORS BY THE AMERICAN LEGION POST 178 AND NAVY HONORS RITUAL TEAM. 

Cpt. Charles William "Bill" Searcy, 72, and Patricia "Patty" Ann Searcy, 69, both of Carterville, passed away on September 5, 2017, in Jacksonburg, West Virginia.  Memorial contributions may be made to Holy Spirit Catholic Church and to Anne West Lindsey Library, both in Carterville; to Carterville Rotary/Honor Wreaths; or to P.A.W.S. in Anna. Bill was born on February 4, 1945, in Eldorado, to Marion E. and Mary Ellen (Carter) Searcy. He married Patty Ann Vinsavage on July 15, 1972, in Herrin. Together they had shared 45 wonderful years. He is survived by his mother, Mary Ellen Searcy; sons and daughter-in-law, Scott William (Alison) Searcy of New York City and James David Searcy of Herrin; the light of his life, his grandson, Connor William Coen Searcy; sisters, Linda M. (John) McCowen of Carterville and Martha "Marty" Searcy (Diane Hagan) of Phoenix, Arizona; uncle, Gene Floyd of St. Louis; special nephew, Wade (Staci) McCowen and their son, Shane; special nieces, Kelly (Paul) Richard and their children and Amanda Dill and her children; special cousins, Rick (Brenda) Floyd and their children; several other nieces, nephews and cousins; and a host of friends. Bill was preceded in death by his father. His wife, Patty Searcy and beloved dog, Sam joined him in death on September 5, 2017. He honorably served our country in the United States Navy during Vietnam overseas in the Philippines, retiring as a Captain with the Naval Reserves. After his retirement, Bill continued to recruit candidates for the Naval Academy. In Bill's younger years, he worked for the Southern Illinoisan Newspaper, served as an Assistant Manager at SIU Arena and sold insurance for Northwestern Mutual. He worked in management at Pepsi for several years.  Bill owned and operated The Swiss Colony at University Mall in Carbondale and the Sears Appliance Store also in Carbondale. He was a member of the Grace United Methodist Church in Carbondale. Bill was also an avid golfer, belonging to Crab Orchard Golf Club and the "11 O'clock Group". For the last twenty years, Bill enjoyed piloting his plane. He had achieved both VFR and IFR Flight Ratings. He was active in the Carterville Rotary where he served as Past President. Bill and Patty both hosted Rotary exchange students. He also mentored many kids throughout the years.

 Service Information