William E. “Bill” Elliott

William E. “Bill” Elliott, age 88 years, a resident of Vienna, passed away Monday morning, November 16, 2020, at 11:43 AM at Continue Care at Baptist Health in Paducah, Kentucky. 

Bill was born February 15, 1932 on Boss Island in Johnson Co. Illinois.  He was the son of William A. and Alice Marie (Jenkins) Elliott.

On August 1, 1955, Bill was united in marriage to JoAnn Crawford in Biloxi, Mississippi.  She preceded him in death on July 17, 2017.

Bill is survived by:  his sons – Tim (his wife Melody) Elliott and Mark (his wife Beth) Elliott all of Vienna; grandchildren – Zachary (his wife Emily) Elliott of Sikeston, Missouri, Kelsi Ingle of Paducah, Kentucky and Levi Ingle of Vienna; a sister – Mary Lou Avery of Vienna; as well as a host of nieces, nephews, other relatives and many friends.

In addition to his parents and wife, Bill was preceded in death by: a brother – Don Elliott and a brother-in-law – James Avery.

Bill was a 1950 graduate of Vienna High School.  Prior to his military service, Bill worked as a butcher at Cates-McCorkle Grocery in Vienna.  

Bill joined the United States Army.  He served with distinction in the Korean War and was honorably discharged with the rank of Sergeant on August 14, 1954.

Upon his return to Johnson County, following his military service, Bill rejoined Cates-McCorkle and worked there until 1961.  At that time, Bill began his banking career with the former Drovers State Bank.  Beginning as a teller, Bill then became assistant cashier and later cashier.  When Drovers State Bank was acquired by Banterra Bank, Bill became a vice-president and later served as president of the bank until his retirement.  

Bill was very active in community organizations.  He served as treasurer of the Vienna Civic Club.  He  was a former volunteer member of the Vienna Fire department and served with the Civil Defense during the late 1960’s and early 1970’s.  Bill was a longtime member of the Vienna High School Board of Education and served for approximately 28 years as a member of the Vienna City Council. 

Bill was a faithful member of the Vienna First Christian Church.  He served for many years as a church elder as well as serving for over 60 years as the church treasurer.  

Bill enjoyed fishing for catfish, livestock farming and watching his grandson Zachary play baseball.

A graveside service honoring the life of Bill Elliott will be conducted Saturday afternoon, November 21, 2020, at 1 PM at the Vienna Fraternal Cemetery.  Pastor Les Chamberlain will officiate.  Interment will follow.

There will be no public visitation.  Those attending the service are invited to gather at the cemetery at 12:45 PM Saturday.  Additionally, please be reminded that customarily accepted social distancing guidelines will apply.  The wearing of a face mask or covering is strongly encouraged.

Memorials may be made to the First Christian Church (Building Fund), P.O. Box 637, Vienna, Illinois 62995.

To share a memory of Bill or to leave an online message of condolence for his family, please visit www.baileyfh.com

Arrangements have been entrusted to Bailey Funeral Home in Vienna.