Jerry L. Stites, 83, of Bondville passed away at 10:28 a.m. on Thursday, November 16, 2017 at Sugar Creek Alzheimer's Special Care Center in Normal.

A visitation will be held on Sunday, November 19, 2017 from 4:00-6:00 p.m. at Renner-Wikoff Chapel in Urbana. A graveside service will take place at Dodge Grove Cemetery in Mattoon on Monday, November 20, 2017 at 1:00 p.m.

Jerry was born on August 26, 1934 in Champaign to parents Marion and Iva (Babb) Stites-Phillipe. They preceded him in death. Also preceding him in death were his siblings; Don Stites and Shirley Green.

On September 5, 1954 he married Betty Marie Dillman in Champaign; she passed away on January 27, 2015.

Jerry is survived by his sister, Frances Webb of Clinton, IL, and his sisters-in-law; Carolyn Harner (Jim Griffith) of Savoy and Hazel Dillman of Port Richey, FL. Many nieces and nephews and his dog Buddy also survive him.

Jerry attended Deland County Schools and in 1952 he enlisted in the United States Navy. After being honorably discharged he worked as a bricklayer, building Stites Masonry with his brother, Don.

Jerry and Betty loved camping, boating and classic country music.

Memorial contributions may be made to the Champaign County Humane Society.