Ralph Willison Jr. 88, of Taylorville, passed away Thursday, February 27, 2014 at 6:55 p.m. at Taylorville Memorial Hospital in Taylorville.  He was born September 23, 1925 in Georgetown, IL. The son of Ralph and Melissa (Howard) Willison. He married Effie M. Kershaw on January 26, 1947 in Taylorville, IL.  Mr. Willison was a retired Coal Miner and worked at Georgia Pacific Paper Mill. Mr. Willison was an avid fan of all sports, especially baseball and his beloved Cubs. He excelled in football, baseball and basketball in his high school years. He was inducted into the Taylorville High School Sports Hall of Fame as a member of the celebrated 1944 Basketball Team. He coached Pony and Little League teams for several seasons, including All-Star teams.

He is survived by his wife, Effie, sons: James (Dawn) Willison and Jack (Jacque) Willison both of Taylorville, IL; granddaughter, Amanda Willison of Marion, IL; great-granddaughter, Ellah Willison of Marion, IL; step-grandchildren: Zack Beaty of Sandwich, IL and Kelsey Beaty of Taylorville, IL; step-great-grandson, Cooper Beaty of Sandwich, IL; several nieces and nephews. He was preceded in passing by his parents, two sisters: Helen Brown and Jessie Sexton.  

Visitation will be held Tuesday, March 4, 2014 from 5:00 until 8:00 p.m. at Sutton Memorial Home in Taylorville.

Funeral services will be held Wednesday, March  5, 2014 at 10:00 a.m. at Sutton Memorial Home in Taylorville with Pastor Becky Lembke officiating. Burial will be at Oak Hill Cemetery, Taylorville, IL.

Memorials may be made to:  Taylorville High School Sports Boosters, 815 W. Springfield Rd., Taylorville, IL ATTN: Paul Held

Arrangements by Sutton Memorial Home in Taylorville, IL.