Billy R. Whitley

Billy “Bill” R. Whitley, 95, of Gallatin Tennessee, formerly of Colona, Illinois, passed away peacefully at 12:19 a.m. on Saturday December 9^th, 2023, at TriStar Hendersonville Medical Center in Hendersonville, Tennessee.

A funeral service will be 11:00 a.m. on Friday December 15, 2023, at Esterdahl Mortuary & Crematory, Ltd. in Moline.  Visitation will be from 10:00 a.m. until service time.  Interment will immediately follow at Greenview Memorial Gardens in East Moline where military honors will be conducted by the Moline American Legion Post #246.  Memorials may be made to St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital.

Bill was a beloved husband, father, grandfather, brother, uncle, and a friend to so many.

Bill’s calm presence and wit will be missed by so many.

Bill was born on December 17, 1927, in Red Boiling Springs, TN to Orell and Bessie Whitley. He was the oldest of three brothers. Bill served in the United States Army from February 1946 to September 1947 as a Heavy Equipment Operator.  He married JoAnn Chiavario on February 17^th, 1973. Through this marriage, Bill chose to become a loving father to Lori and Larry. Settling in Colona, Illinois, they raised their family while sharing laughs and libations with a special group of friends. Bill worked at International Harvester in East Moline until 1982 when he retired to become a full time “Pa”- his favorite job of all.  After losing the love of his life, he relocated back to his roots in Tennessee. Here he met Virgie, and they were married. They made memories riding motorcycles across the country and spending time with their families. Virgie preceded him in death in 1999. Years later, he met and married Carrolline. They shared a love for music and dancing. She preceded him in death in 2021.

Bill had a contagious laugh and was always willing to give advice or a quick joke to anyone who needed it. He traveled many miles by motorcycle seeing the country and attending a yearly motorcycle race in Central Illinois. Bill will always be remembered by his grandchildren for carrying the same silver dollar in his back pocket for over 40 years.

Preceding Bill in death were his parents Orel and Bessie and his brothers Joe and Darrell.

Bill is survived by children Lori (Bill) Mrosko of Colona, IL, Larry Decker of Phoenix, AZ, 5 grandchildren, Michael (Donna), Rebecca (Sean), Maddie, Brandon (Taylor), and Sarah (Mitchell), 4 great-grandchildren, nieces and nephews, Virgie’s family, Caroline’s family, and many special friends.

The family would like to give a special thank you to Deborah, Ernie, and James who provided care and communication when we needed it the most. 

Memories may be shared online by visiting esterdahl.com.