William Eugene Reddish, age 77, of Clay City, Illinois, passed away Sunday, May 25, 2025, at Axiom Gardens Care Center in Flora.

      He was born on November 6, 1947, in Louisville, the son of William Houston and Maylene (Winsor) Reddish.  Later in life, he reunited with Alexis Sanders, a high school classmate and one-time sweetheart.  They agreed their renewed friendship was something special—something they would never let go of again.  They were united in marriage on March 13, 2011, at Bethlehem Christian Church, and together they shared 14 wedding anniversaries.

      Bill worked in food service for 25 years as the kitchen supervisor at Eastern Illinois University, retiring in December 2003.  Over the years, he also held various other jobs, including at the International Shoe Company, Valley Steel, Columbus Iron Works, Advanced Drainage of Illinois, Unibilt Structures, Douglas Nightingale Manor in Tuscola, and Hilltop Nursing Home in Charleston.

      He was a member of Bethlehem Christian Church.  Bill enjoyed woodworking, crafting projects from scrap materials, and tending to his yard.  His strong work ethic, dedication, and natural talent with his hands led to over 40 years of carpentry and lawn care for others.  He had a great sense of humor and kept a notebook of his favorite jokes, which he loved to share—always bringing smiles and laughter.  Those who knew him well will remember his enthusiasm as an avid NASCAR fan.  Above all, Bill deeply valued his family and the lifelong friendships he built and cherished throughout his life.

      He is survived by his wife: Alexis Reddish of Clay City; 4 sisters: Susan Latch of Charleston, Jane Lovell of Charleston, Cordell Hayes of Charleston, and Ruth Ann Williams of Wichita Falls, Texas; special family and neighbors: Tony (Jenny) Sanders; 2 daughters: Amanda Aubrey of Mattoon and Penny McGinness of Urbana; 2 grandsons: Roman and Logan; sister-in-law: Mila (Harlan) Hankins; brother-in-law: Niel Sanders; and a number of nieces and nephews.    

      He was preceded in passing by his parents; a brother: Danny K. Reddish; a half-brother: Eugene Reddish; 2 half-sisters: Charlotte Brun and Wilma Hall; and 3 brothers-in-law: Darrell Latch, Larry Lovell, and Al Williams.

      A funeral ceremony will be held at 1 p.m. on Saturday, May 31, 2025, at Frank & Bright Funeral Home in Flora, with Mark Luzadder officiating.  Interment will follow in Golden Cemetery.  A visitation will be held from 12 noon until 1 p.m. on Saturday at the funeral home.  Memorial donations are suggested to Bethlehem Christian Church or Residential Hospice Comfort Care, and these will be accepted through the funeral home.  To share a condolence or memory, visit: www.frankandbright.com