William Wharrie

COAL CITY—William Wharrie, "Bill," 71, of Coal City, passed away Friday, July 21, 2017 at his home.
Born Aug. 16, 1945 in Joliet, William Samuel was a son of Robert W. and Grace (Bellm) Wharrie. He was raised and educated in Coal City and attended Joliet Junior College. Bill went on to honorably serve in the United States  Army during the Vietnam Era (1965-1967). On April  24, 1971, he married Patricia Kessler in Assumption Catholic Church, and together they made their home and raised their family in Coal City. Bill worked in maintenance at Commonwealth Edison, from where he took an early retirement. He then went on to gain employment with Grundy Area Vocational Center where he was an assistant welding instructor, and later as a purchasing agent with Pace Bus in Joliet.
Bill was an active member of Christian Life Assembly in Diamond, where he led the Alcoholics for Christ Ministry. He was also a member of the Coal City VFW Post 1336. Over the years, Bill in his free time enjoyed hunting, fishing and golf.  He took pleasure in time spent at the Coal City Area Club, and especially with his grandchildren. He will be remembered as a great story teller.
Survivors include his wife of 46 years, Pat; two daughters: Ann Bell of Diamond and Ellen (Corey) Kendrick of Allen Park, MI; five grandchildren: Leanna, Abbey, Camille and James Bell, and Ellis Kendrick, with another expected; one sister, Shirley (the late Robert) Ritzheimer of Pennsylvania; his father-in-law and mother-in-law, Marvin and Helen Kessler of Diamond; sisters-in-law and brothers-in-law: Carolyn Wharrie of Florida, Charlotte Wharrie and Ron (Kathy) Kessler, both of Coal City, Carol (Terry) Wills of Carbon Hill, Mike Kessler of Coal City and Cathy Schachtschneider of Coal City, as well as numerous nieces and nephews.
Bill was preceded in death by his parents, brothers, Robert E. Wharrie and Donald Wharrie and one nephew, Mark Wharrie.
The family received friends at Christian Life Assembly,  2960 Division St. in Diamond on Tuesday, July 25, 2017. Lead Pastor Randy Adams officiated
Burial with military honors followed in Braceville-Gardner Cemetery.
Preferred memorials may be made as gifts in Bill's memory to Christian Life Assembly or to Joliet Area Community Hospice.
Family and friends may sign the guest book, upload photographs or share Bill's memorial page online by logging onto www.ReevesFuneral.com.
Funeral services and arrangements were made under the direction and care of Reeves Funeral Homes, Ltd. in Coal City.