Billie Lee Varner
June 5, 1952 ~ April 29, 2025
Born in:
Litchfield, IL
Resided in:
Sorento, IL
Billie L. Varner, 72, of Sorento, Illinois, passed away in Springfield, Illinois, on Tuesday, April 29, 2025, at 12:52 am., surrounded by his loving family.
Billie was born on June 5, 1952, in Litchfield, Illinois, the son of Edward and Opal (Ingles) Varner. He married Esther Cruthis in Sorento, Illinois on July 7, 1972, and were married for over 52 years.
They had no children of their own, but he was fondly known as Uncle Bill, Billy the Kid, Uncle Billie, or just plain uncle. As he said, “I can never be called dad, but they can never take away uncle from me. I am proud of all my nephews and nieces all in a special way.”
Billie grew up in Bond County and graduated from Greenville High School in 1970. He worked at the Olin Corporation in East Alton, Illinois, for over 37 years, in the brass mill. Prior to working at Olin Corporation, Billie worked for the Railroad as part of the repair crew. He was an active member of the Assembly of God Church in Sorento, for over 50 years. He served as Royal Ranger leader, usher, janitor, deacon, faithful pew filler, and at times drummer. He was a member of the homecoming association committee, and his hobbies included his love of all sports especially his Cubs, woodworking and collection of Elvis memorabilia.
Preceding him in death are his parents Edward and Opal (Ingles) Varner; In laws, Elmer and Bonadell (Dietrich) Cruthis; brother, Gary Varner; brothers in law, Gerald Cruthis, Clarence Cruthis, Joy Cruthis and Timothy Cruthis; nephews, Darin Schweppe, Rodney Cruthis, Rodney Degler, Dylan Cruthis, and Mike Province.
Surviving Billie are his wife, Esther of Sorento, Illinois; sisters- In law, Dorine Price and Corrine Varner; and many nieces and nephews who love him dearly.
Visitation: 10:00 am – 12:00 pm., Monday, May 5, 2025, at the Assembly of God Church, 303 S. Hill St., Sorento, IL 62086.
Funeral: following the visitation, with Revs. Dennis Day and Kevin Simburger officiating.
Burial: Sunnyside Cemetery, Sorento, following the funeral.
The family requests memorials to either destination, in lieu of plants, flowers, and other gifts.
Memorials may be given at the visitation and funeral, or mailed to the Assembly of God Church, 303 S. Hill St., Sorento, IL 62086 or the Navajo Missions, PO Box 1230, Farmington, NM 87499.
The family has entrusted Assalley Funeral Homes with the ceremonies.
Please visit www.assalleyfuneralhomes.com to share memories or offer condolences to the family.
Services
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Charities
The family greatly appreciates donations made to these charities in Billie Lee Varner 's name.
Navajo Missions
PO Box 1230
Farmington ,
NM
87499
Sorento Assembly of God
303 S. Hill St.,
Sorento,
IL
62086
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Please take care of yourself – remember the good times. It will be hard but you are strong and you will get through it. Some days I still feel like it was yesterday for me – Donald has been gone 20 years. I love you like a sister. If you ever need to talk, please reach out to me. I will be thinking of you and you are in my prayers. Love you.
Bill was a good, kind man and a true man of God. His presence will be missed , but comfort comes in knowing he’s run his race and is in very presence of God himself. See you later Bill. ❤️
Bill was a great man will miss seeing him out and about rip Bill
Easter,
I am so sorry for your loss but the 50 years of love and serving the Lord will help be with you every day. May God continue to love and bless you.
Leslie
Sorry to read of Bills passing. He was a great guy and we always appreciated him and Esther and all the Varners. I remember he had his hair with a “rat tail” for a little while. He was faithful to the Lord and to the church there in Sorento. I know he’ll be missed. Praying for all the family.