Billy R. Cleveland, 83, of Mount Carmel formerly of Crossville, Illinois passed away peacefully on Saturday, August 25, 2018 at Deaconess Hospital Midtown in Evansville, Indiana. He was born on March 5, 1935 in White County, IL the son of George and Ruby (Phelps) Cleveland. He married Billie Lou Franklin on May 25, 1953 in Carmi, IL and together they enjoyed a life centered on their family.
Billy was a loving husband, father and grandfather and treasured the time he spent with his family. Billy had a very sweet spirit; was always happy with a smile on his face. He was a graduate of Crossville High School Class of 1952. During Billy’s working career he worked as a rig hand in the oilfield and retired from B & W in Mount Vernon, IN. He moved to Harrison, Arkansas and worked at Oakleaf-Appaloosa Farm where he managed the farm and was very passionate about his work training, caring and showing the horses. Among Billy’s hobbies he enjoyed NASCAR and watching college basketball. Billy will be greatly missed by his family and all who knew him.
Billy will be remembered by his son, Richard (Ellen) Cleveland; three daughters, Janet (Rod) Andrews, Becky (Gary) Naas and Pam Hale; grandchildren, Ryan Andrews, Sara Kuenstler, Nicole Vest, Sara Staggs, Natalie Russell, Carrie Wedel, Casey Cleveland, Dustin Hale, Terra Moye and Brandon Naas; great grandchildren, Rhett & Kate Andrews, Lane & Leah Kuenstler, Mercedes Massey, Caedon Teague, Roy, Braxton & Keagan Staggs, Kaitlyn & Landon Russell, Jackson & Cooper Wedel, Addison & Carter Cleveland, Devin Hale, Lennon & Dylan Naas, Lizzy & Emily Moye; two sisters, Ganath Lucas and Betty Patterson.
Billy was preceded in death by his parents; wife; son, William Cleveland; brother, Gene Cleveland; sisters, Verna Hughes and Georgia Guinn; and son in law, Stan Hale.
A Visitation will be held from 5:00 p.m. – 7:00 p.m., Thursday, August 30, 2018 at the Crossville United Methodist Church, 408 2nd St, Crossville, IL 62827. A Celebration of Life will be held at 7:00 p.m., Thursday, August 30, 2018 at the Church with Pastor Jon Carrell officiating.
In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions can be made in Billy’s memory to Oakview Villa Supportive Living Center, 916 Oak Street, Mount Carmel, IL 62863.
Keepes Funeral Home is serving the family with the arrangements. To view Billy’s tribute wall and leave condolences for the Cleveland family, please visit www.keepesfuneralhome.com
