William Leon Brayfield

William "Bill" Leon Brayfield, age 83, of Johnston City, Illinois, passed away on Thursday, May 4, 2023 at Union County Hospital in Anna, Illinois.

Bill was born September 26, 1939 in Cambria, Illinois, a son of Wathan and Lucy Jeanette (Milam) Brayfield. They preceded him in death as well as his sister, Lillian Helwig.

He married Fortune (Phelps) Brayfield on April 04, 1981 in Herrin. She survives. Also surviving are his two children, William "Billy" H. (Amber) Brayfield of Benton, Illinois and Kelly (Matt) Wilson of Tamms, Illinois; his four grandchildren, Eldon, Ella, Elsie, and Milam; sister-in-laws, Becky Phelps, Kate Phelps, and Velta Phelps; brother-in-laws, Gean (Ellie) Phelps, Tim (Lora) Phelps, and David (Erin) Phelps.

Bill proudly served in the United States Navy from 1957-1961. Many will remember him as a manager for the notorious Illinois Cafe in Herrin. After that, he was self-employed as a painting contractor, retiring in 2020.

Bill was an avid hunter and fisherman. He enjoyed watching the St. Louis Cardinals and the Chicago Bears but his favorite past-time was spending time with his family. His grandkids meant the world to him. Bill will be missed by many.

Visitation will be Saturday, May 6th, 2023 from 5:00 PM - 7:00 PM at the funeral home. Funeral services will be held Sunday, May 7, 2023, 2:00 PM at Johnson-Hughes Funeral Home with Dr. Bob Dickerson officiating and Mr. Richard Ditch speaking. Burial will follow at Cundiff Cemetery, where he will be laid to rest next to his parents. Military honors will be presented by the American Legion Post 347, American Legion Post 645, VFW Post 1567, and the US Navy Ritual Team.