Billie J. Duncan

Reverend Dr. Billie J. Duncan, 92, returned to his heavenly home on December 1, 2017 at Wabash Christian Village.  His devotion to his family and his firm belief in God supported him and ultimately gave him peace.

Billie was born to the late William and Pearl (Tousley) Duncan, both of McLeansboro, IL on July 12, 1925.  He accepted his calling to follow Christ at the age of twenty-five and studied both religion and education at Oakland City College.

Billie served in the United States Navy in 1944.  He graduated from Oakland City College in 1958 with a Bachelors Degree in Secondary Education and accepted a position teaching English at Grayville High School before transferring to Carmi High School where he taught English and Latin for eighteen years.  In addition, Billie pastored the First General Baptist Church of McLeansboro, IL for twenty-six years.  He was also known for his love of fixing and selling bicycles, ensuring all the neighborhood kids had a nice working bicycle to ride.

Billie was married to his best friend, Ruby Gunter, for seventy-three years.  His loved ones, who celebrate the fact that he is at peace with his creator, dearly miss him.

He is survived by his wife Ruby; daughters Carole Robbins of Newburgh, Indiana and Donna Fish of Northbrook, Illinois; son Bill (Donna) Duncan of Newbern, Tennessee; sisters Mona Gaines and Janice (Charlie) Burnett of McLeansboro, IL; grandchildren Mark Hale of Anthem, AZ, Suzanne Bentley of Lake Forest, IL, Kristi (Lou) Metallo of Northbrook, IL, Angela Taylor and Michael Duncan of Newbern, TN, Tisha (Eddie) Malone of Evansville, IN, Wendy (Alan) Wells of Newburgh, IN. Thirteen great grandchildren also survive.

Billie was preceded in death by his parents, two brothers and three sisters.

Funeral services will be held Tuesday, December 5, 2017 at 12:00 p.m. at the First General Baptist Church in McLeansboro with the Rev. Tracy Burnett and Rev. Bill Reed officiating.  Billie will be laid to rest at the I.O.O.F Cemetery following the funeral service.  Visitation will be held from 10:00 a.m. until the time of service at 12 noon on Tuesday, December 5, 2017 at the First General Baptist Church.  Memorial donations may be made to the donors choice and will be accepted at the church.

The Gholson Funeral Home of McLeansboro is in charge of arrangements.
 

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