Billie Alford

VIENNA, Ill. -- Billie Lee Alford, 78, a resident of rural Vienna, passed away Tuesday, July 10, 2007, at 11:13 p.m. at Massac Memorial Hospital in Metropolis, Ill.

He was born May 4, 1929, in the Forman community in Johnson County, Ill., son of William Andrew and Frances Lillian Skelton Alford. Billie was united in marriage to Mary Lou Glover in 1976 at her parents' home near Vienna.

In addition to his wife, Billie is survived by a daughter, Michele and Brad Price of Cave-In-Rock, Ill.; two sons, Mark Palmer of Cave-In-Rock, Matt and Jenny Palmer of Cedar Rapids, Iowa; 11 grandchildren, Monica and Chad Carroz and their daughter Mattie, Marissa Cavins, Robie Cavins, Cassidie Price, Jameson Price, Nate Price, Amanda Palmer, Kalan Palmer, Tyler Palmer, Lacy Palmer and Bella Palmer.

Billie was anticipating the birth of a grandson, Samuel Palmer, in September. Also surviving is a brother, Ray and Martha Alford of Vienna; a niece, Rhonda and Wes Baker; two nephews, Chris Alford, Jeff and Jill Alford; great-nieces and great-nephews.

He was preceded in death by his parents.

Billie was a 1947 graduate of Vienna High School. He was in the U.S. Navy from 1948 to 1952, and served aboard the USS Catamount.

He was an electrician at Southern Illinois University-Carbondale from 1968 to 1984. He was a member of IBEW (International Brotherhood of Electrical Workers) Local 702 in West Frankfort, Ill.

Billie was a devoted Christian. He had served during the years as a Sunday school superintendent, Sunday school teacher and church treasurer. He was a member of Dayspring Missionary Baptist Church in Jackson.

He had a very mechanical mind. He enjoyed "tinkering" and fixing things. During his illness, Billie found great enjoyment spending time on his computer.

Billie was a loving and great husband, father and grandfather.

Funeral service will be conducted at 2 p.m. Saturday at Bailey Funeral Home in Vienna. Webb Manley will officiate. Interment will be in Berea Cemetery southeast of Vienna.

Friends may call from 1 to 2 p.m. Saturday at the funeral home.

Memorials may be made to Dayspring Missionary Baptist Church, 5195 Old Cape Road East, Jackson, Mo., 63755.

To leave an online message of condolence, please visit www.baileyfh.com.