William “Bill” “Weedhopper” Helm, age 72, of Petersburg, a proud veteran of the U.S. Army and avid Harley Davidson rider, entered eternal life on Monday, September 19, 2022.
Billy was born November 30, 1949 in Springfield, Illinois, the son of William and Dorothy (Perkins) Helm and they preceded him in death.
He is survived by his cousins, Diane McCormick, Nancy Bounds, Carol VanDyke, Doris Melvin, and Harriet Carter; and many friends.
At the age of 20, Billy enlisted in the service where he proudly served his country. He was stationed in Vietnam from April 13, 1970 until January 23, 1971. He valued his military service highly and attained the rank of SP4 (Specialist).
Bill was a dedicated member of the Union Hall #477, a long stand member of the board and was a Sergeant of Arms. Bill worked there for many years. He was a member of the Athens VFW Post #5302 and later a member of the Northenders VFW Post #10302. He was also a big supporter of the Iron Sled Motorcycle Club and rode with other bike clubs.
He loved his family, friends, his country but most of all, his motorcycle.
To know Billy was to love him, he will be greatly missed.
Cremation rites will be accorded.
Graveside services will be held at Camp Butler National Cemetery, in Springfield on Wednesday, September 28, 2022 at 1:00 P.M with military rites being performed. Rev. Ken Gennicks will be officiating.
Mott & Henning Funeral Home is assisting the family. On-line condolences can be shared at www.mottandhenning.com.
Your email is never published or shared. Required fields are marked (required)
Visits: 20
This site is protected by reCAPTCHA and the
Google Privacy Policy and Terms of Service apply.
Service map data © OpenStreetMap contributors
Posted September 22nd, 2022 at 7:33 pm
We will ride again on the other side, rest easy brother.
Posted September 23rd, 2022 at 8:41 am
Always in my heart sweet Billy I was so lucky for you to come into my life. I can’t believe your gone but I know your looking down & watching over. Love you
Posted September 23rd, 2022 at 4:20 pm
Oh Wild Bill is what the kids called him I sure will miss you calling and checking on us you are now with your friend Rusty as you always said riding high in the sky.
Posted September 27th, 2022 at 6:26 am
Our most sincere condolences to Weedhoppers’s friends and family. William was a long standing member of the Lincoln Land ABATE chapter. He will be forever missed by the biking community.
Posted September 27th, 2022 at 7:32 pm
My condolences.. The family is in our thoughts & prayers🙏🏻🙏🏻🙏🏻
I cut Bills hair for him and he was a good friend of ours. He made many trips by our house just to visit with us & would call often along with us going by his house throughout the years. He & my husband worked together for many years. We will carry all of these good memories with us until we meet again.. Over & out.. Big dog to little dog❤️❤️
Posted September 27th, 2022 at 7:34 pm
My condolences.. The family is in our thoughts & prayers🙏🏻🙏🏻🙏🏻
I cut Bills hair for him and he was a good friend of ours. He made many trips by our house just to visit with us & would call often along with us going by his house throughout the years. He & my husband worked together for many years. We will carry all of these good memories with us until we meet again.. Over & out little dog from bug dog
Posted September 27th, 2022 at 7:51 pm
Will miss ol’ weedhopper Bill, great times on the job always looking for gloves on each contractor job! Bill could always entertain you with a funny story or talk about more serious matters in his life. Will miss you Bill. Have a great ride