Billy Gene “Bill” Edwards, age 90, of Highland, passed away peacefully on Friday, July 17, 2026, at his home.
Billy Gene was born on Saturday, July 27, 1935, in Donnellson, Illinois, the son of the late Chauncey Myron and Blanche Ramona (nee Spies) Edwards. He was raised in Reno, Illinois, where he attended the local school and worked on the Stanton family farm. At just 16 years old, Billy began his career at Alton Packaging in Highland, later known as Smurfit Westrock. He dedicated more than 37 years to the company before retiring in 1990 due to health concerns.
Before retirement, Billy enjoyed an active lifestyle. He loved pitching horseshoes, canoeing, playing softball, and coaching several softball teams at Spies Country Spot, where he shared his love of the game with others. In retirement, he embraced a slower pace and found joy in eagle and bird watching, fishing and hunting trips with family and friends, and exploring Civil War history through books and visits to historic battlefields and landmarks. Billy also enjoyed woodworking, playing cards and board games, and rarely let a day pass without music. A lifelong, devoted Chicago Cubs fan, he remained faithful to his team through every season.
Bill married Kathryn “Kate” (nee Kapp) Edwards on September 30, 1983, and they have enjoyed over 42 years of marriage. Together, they cherished times that were spent taking rides on the river road, trips that represent his favorite activities of the season, such as pumpkins and apples, and family gatherings, as Bill was known for his BBQ recipe.
He is survived by his wife Kate; son, Phillip Roy (Amanda) Edwards and granddaughter Lorelei Nicole of Valley Center, CA. He is also survived by his children from a previous marriage; Eva (Duane) Sundrup of Bartelso, IL, Connie (Jack) Thomilson of Greenville, IL, Colleen (Mike) Francis of Magnolia, TX, Vince (Amy) Edwards of Greenville, IL, Tina (Jim) Chastain of Scott City, MO, Travis (Kelly) Edwards of Pocahontas, IL, and Billy (Heather) Edwards of Greenville, IL; siblings, Dixie L. (Mannie) Gaston of Lincoln, IL, Deanna G. (Jerry) Sullivan of Springfield, IL, and Gary D. (Shirley) Edwards of Litchfield, IL; several grandchildren, great-grandchildren, and numerous nieces and nephews.
Bill was preceded in death by his parents.
Funeral Services will be held Saturday, July 25, 2026, 10:30 a.m. at Moss Funeral Home in Highland. Interment will follow at Reno Bethel Cemetery in Reno, Illinois.
Visitation will be held Saturday, July 25, 2026, from 9:00 – 10:30 a.m. at Moss Funeral Home in Highland.
In lieu of flowers, plants, or other gifts, memorials may be made to the Reno Bethel Cemetery or the donor’s choice and will be received at the visitation or by mail at Moss Funeral Home, 1501 9th Street, Highland, IL 62249, which is serving the family.
