William "Bill" Thomas Ren

William “Bill” Thomas Ren, 77, of Herrin and formerly of Carterville, passed away Sunday, December 3, 2023, at Memorial Hospital in Carbondale, surrounded by his family.

Funeral services will be held at 11:00 a.m., Friday, December 8, 2023, at Riggin-Pillatsch & Burke Funeral Home in Carterville, with Rev. R.H. Chitwood officiating. Burial will be in Willowrest Cemetery in Carterville. Visitation will begin after 6:00 p.m., Thursday, December 7, 2023, at the funeral home.

Memorial contributions can be made to the Carterville Football Program, in care of Carterville High School.

Bill was born July 15, 1946, in East Peoria, Illinois, to George “Buck” D. and Alice L. (Cole) Ren. He married Mildred “Millie” Irene Friday on October 24, 1964, in Frederick, Illinois. She preceded him in death on October 11, 2001. He later married Jane Bailey on October 8, 2012, in Las Vegas, Nevada.

He is survived by his wife, Jane Ren of Herrin; sons, William “Bill” (Carla) Ren, Gerald (Barb) Ren, and George “Mike” (Angie) Ren; daughter, Sheila Ren; step-sons, James Alex (Tabitha) Byrley and Earl Byrley; grandchildren, Kristina Leigh (Joe) Carraway, Georgie Michal (Austin) Morrison, Caleb Deponai, Jennifer (Mak) Crain, Bobby (Ashtin) Cohn, Delta (Preston) Hood, Shaydie (Kaleb) Russell, Elijah Mohring, Elise Ren, Ben (Shannon) Kerstetter, Cecilia (Wes) Bassler, and Bentley, Wesley, and Kamden; several great grandchildren; brothers, Henry “Hank” (Peggy) Ren and Jerry (Bonny) Ren; plus many extended family and friends.

Bill was preceded in death by his parents; first wife, Millie Ren; grandsons, William “Billy” and Jaxon Ren; brother, John Ren; and sister, Pat Eaton.

He was a welder for Amax Coal Mine Company for 26 years until the mine’s closure. Bill then went to work for Republic Service-Jackson County Landfill for 24 years. He worked as an attendant at Wooly Wash in Carterville the last 3 years.

Bill enjoyed playing golf and testing his luck at the slots. He was an avid Carterville Lions Football fan, never missing a game.

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