Bill Ray Owens passed away with family by his side at home on August 7, 2026, at 1:11 p.m. in Nokomis, IL.
Bill was born on June 17, 1951, in Pana, IL to Bernadine Owens Fulford and Charles E. Owens.
Bill Graduated from Pana High School in the Class of 1969. He served in the Illinois National Guard. He was a member of the Laborers Union. He was a member of the First Baptist Church of Nokomis, IL. He worked in road construction for 47 years for Borders Construction Company and Beniach Construction Company. 
Bill was an avid outdoorsman. He enjoyed teaching his kids and grandkids to hunt, fish and play baseball. He was a lifelong St. Louis Cardinals fan and enjoyed a good game of chess.
He is survived by his wife Joyce of 51 years, Sons: Tim (Laura) Owens of Herrick, IL; Joe Owens of Nokomis, Randy Owens of Nokomis, Daughter: Jodi German and Companion Scott Engelhart of Nokomis; Grandchildren: Amanda Owens, Cody (Kendra) Owens, Trintin Owens, Kristin (Cody) Rutledge, Landon German, and Levi German; Great-Grandchildren: Chase, Waylon, Karsen, Kasen, Kameren, Emersyn, Archie and Madeline; Brothers: Danny Owens of Assumption, Chuck Owens of Chatham; Sisters: Jackie Kay of Pana, Phyllis Rowden of Pana and Dixie Fox of Pana. He was preceded in death by his parents, sisters: Debbie Harston, Beverly Hayes, Marilyn Bock, Shirley Ruot, and Pat Lash; Brothers: Gary Owens, and David Owens and Great-Grandson: Hunter Thevenot. 
Visitation will be held on Tuesday, August 11, 2026, from 3:00-4:00 p.m. at Stiehl Dawson Funeral Home in Nokomis. Funeral service will be held immediately following the visitation starting at 4:00 p.m. at Stiehl Dawson Funeral Home with Pastors Ryan Follis and Larry Pearse officiating. Following the service Bill will be cremated and Inurnment will be held at a later date.
 The family requests casual attire be worn for the services, camo or St. Louis Cardinals was Bills favorite.
Memorials may be made to Quad County Hospice or Nokomis Athletic Club.
Stiehl-Dawson Funeral Home in Nokomis is assisting the family with arrangements.