Friday, March 29, 2024

Dr. Billy Joe Fairless

Dr. Billy Joe Fairless, 80, of New Burnside, IL. passed away on Sunday November 3, 2019 at Deaconess Gateway Hospital in Evansville, IN. He was born on September 27, 1939 in Bloomfield, IL to Shelby Remember Fairless and Mabel Harner Fairless. On December 20, 1962, he married the love of his life, Elizabeth Raley, she survives.
He is survived by his Wife, Elizabeth (Raley) Fairless; daughters Liza (Stephen) Buckingham of Jonesboro, IL, and Lena Fairless (David Rylak) of Staunton, VA; grandchildren, Shelby (Wendell) Martin of Dongola, IL, Derrick Linaweaver of Plains, KS, Amelia Rylak of Staunton, VA and Benjamin Rylak of Staunton, VA; great grandson Jackson Martin of Dongola, IL; Brother, Bobby (Katie) Fairless of South Jordan, UT; and many nieces and nephews.
He was preceded in death by his Parents, Shelby and Mabel Fairless; sister, Evelyn Ross; brother, Shelby Gene Fairless; and sister, Peggy Sue Needles.
Dr. Fairless held a PHD in biophysics and chemistry. He attended SIUC, University of Louisville, University of Houston, and Princeton University. He retired from the U.S. EPA as a chemist and Administrator for Region 7. He was a member of the Walnut Grove Baptist Church of New Burnside, IL, and had many hobbies including teaching, woodworking, farming, cattle, gardening, target shooting, fishing, hunting, and reading.
Arrangements have been entrusted to Bailey Funeral Home. As per his wishes, a private graveside service will be held at Graves Mt. Olive Cemetery.
In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to the cemetery for upkeep purposes or may be used to create memories with your loved ones.