William L. McQuire passed away peacefully surrounded by loving family and friends on August 27, 2025. He was born on August 19, 1943. He was the eldest son of George and Vivian (Welch) McQuire. He was a beloved grandson of Floyd and Ada Welch of Clinton, Illinois.

 

William worked loyally for over thirty years for Peabody #10 Coal Mine Company. He had enjoyed the position as a chief electrician and was an integral part of the Peabody #10 Mine Rescue Team.

 

Bill competed in motorcycle racing throughout central Illinois and Indiana. He was an avid elk and deer hunter near Oak Creek, Colorado. Bill was the pitcher for the men's ball team sponsored by Joyce's Cafe. He also coached his wife Linda's and his daughter Kimberly's softball teams. He fished Carlyle Lake, and camped at Keyeport, Illinois for over twenty-five years. Whoever coined the saying that dogs are man's best friend, definitely knew Bill McQuire.

 

William is survived by his children: Kimberly (Daniel) Eirhart of Taylorville, Illinois, Tamara (Sean) McCormick of Mt. Pulaski, Illinois, and Steven McQuire of Kissimmee, Florida. William is the grandfather of Dylan P. (Karenza) McCormick of Mt Pulaski, Illinois, Ashley (David) Combs, Casey (Jennifer) McCormick, Courtney Phillips, Brittani (Ray) Casiano, Sanford, North Carolina, Daisha (Rico) Whitehead, Josiah (Liana) Eirhart, Breanna (Levi) James, and Whitney (Jon) Earles. On August 30, 2024, William became the doting great grandfather of Rylan B. McCormick. William will be fondly remembered for his loyalty to his dearest friend and brother Gerald "Coke" McQuire, and his wife Sue.

 

The family of William McQuire would like to thank the enduring friendship of Ron and Marilyn Garmon, Don and Pam Chance, Jimmy Issac, Barry Sides, his dining friends and acquaintances and the caring staff and friends at the Taylorville Estate Assisted Living.

 

A visitation will be held on Sunday, August 31, 2025, from 4:00-6:00 p.m. at Sutton Memorial Home in Taylorville. A memorial service will start at 6:00 p.m., and inurnment will be held at a later date.

 

Memorial donations may be made to the Christian County Animal Shelter.