Billy “Bill” G. Strain, 73, of O’Fallon, formerly of Belle, passed away Thursday, May 11, 2023 at the Clarendale of St. Peters Assisted Living facility.
He was born June 14, 1949, a son to the late Harold Clifton and Ruby Louise (Johnson) Strain in Summerfield.
He attended the Summerfield school through the 8th grade and then graduated from Belle High School in 1967. Following High School, Bill proudly served his country in the U.S. Air Force as a paratrooper during the Vietnam War.
He was united in marriage to Joyce Backues, Nov. 10, 1973, at the Pilot Knob Church. Joyce survives of their home in O’Fallon.
Bill was employed at the Chrysler plant in Fenton for 37 years before retiring on April 1, 2005.
He enjoyed gigging fish on the Gasconade with his brother Kent and playing cards, pinochle and pitch. He loved to barbecue and was famous for his pork steaks. Bill loved to garden, plant flowers and would work hard all summer to keep his yard one of the prettiest on the block. He and Joyce loved to travel after retirement along with family. Bill was a very generous and giving man and donated to the St. Jude Children’s Hospital every month. He enjoyed helping out others in need. Most of all, Bill loved spending time with family and especially his grandchildren. He will be missed greatly by those that knew and loved him.
He is preceded in death by parents, Harold and Ruby; sister Kathryn Gielser; and brother, Kent Strain.
Bill is survived by wife, Joyce, of almost 50 years; sons, Paul Strain, Corey Strain and wife Amber, and Justin Strain all of O’Fallon; grandchildren, Mikayla Yeakey, Tanner Strain, Peyton Strain, Jackson Strain and Mia Strain; brother, Doyle Strain and wife Joyce of Ferguson; and sisters, Joyce Dotson and husband Bob of Belle, and Debra Jett and husband Macey of Holts Summit; as well as many nieces, nephews, extended family members and friends.
Visitation for Bill will be Saturday, May 20, from 10 a.m.–12 p.m, at the Pilot Knob Baptist Church with funeral services following at 12 p.m. with Russell Walje officiating. Interment will be in the church cemetery.
Expressions of sympathy may be made to the Pilot Knob Cemetery or the St. Jude Children’s Hospital.
Arrangements are under the direction of Sassmann’s Chapel, Belle.
