William R. "Bill" Valentine

William R. “Bill” Valentine, 85 of Savoy, formerly of Urbana, died October 24, 2019 at his home.  He was born on October 23, 1934, the youngest of 6 children to Murvin and Catherine (Clark) Valentine.  He was preceded in death by 3 brothers and 2 sisters.  He graduated from Urbana High School in 1952.  Bill was active in the Drama Club and Varsity Cheerleading.  He served in the US Army in Germany with the 31st Transportation BTL during the Berlin East/West Germany Cold War.  He served 2 years active and 2 years reserves.

Bill was a member of Grace United Methodist for over 60 years where he had served as organist and choir director.  He also taught Sunday School, was youth director and served on several building committees.  He also played and directed the handbell choir. Bill was a 32nd Degree Mason of Scottish Rite Valley of Danville, and a member of Masonic Lodge No. 157, Urbana.  He retired as a Letter Carrier in 1992 from the Champaign Post Office.

Bill married Joy Metz on April 24, 1960 at Wesley Methodist Church on campus.  Bill and Joy lived in South Urbana for all their married life.  Joy passed away on February 9, 2006.  He is survived by a son, Jeff of Champaign, a daughter, Diane of Danville and grandson Kyle (Laura) of Tennessee and many nieces and nephews.

Funeral Services will be at 10:00 a.m. Monday October 28 at Urbana First United Methodist Church, 304 S. Race Street with a visitation 1 hour prior to service time.  Rev. Robert Freeman will officiate and burial will be at Woodlawn Cemetery, Urbana. There will also be a visitation Sunday, October 27 from 2 to 6 p.m. with Masonic Rites at 2:00 p.m. at Renner-Wikoff Chapel & Crematory, 1900 S. Philo Rd., Urbana.

Memorial Contributions may be made to Cunningham Children’s Home, 1301 N. Cunningham Ave., Urbana, IL 61802, Advocate Illinois Masonic Pediatric Developmental Center, 3040 N. Wilten Ave., Chicago, IL 60657 or to Urbana First United Methodist Church, 304 S. Race St., Urbana, IL 61801.  Condolences may be offered at www.renner-wikoffchapel.com

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