William J. Charis, Sr.
d. February 1, 2020
William (Bill) Charis entered eternal rest on Saturday, February 1, 2020. Bill passed peacefully and quietly after a brief illness. Bill is survived by his beloved wife of 75 years, Reeda, and two sons, Bill Jr. of Chicago and Robert of Champaign. His parents, Anna and John Charis, grandparents, Celeste and Maria Mariuzza, aunts, uncle and other family members preceded him in death.
Bill served his country proudly in WWII in the Army, 87th Infantry, Golden Acorns, in the Battle of the Bulge, 1944-45. Bill was a Purple Heart recipient receiving an injury, about which he never complained.
Bill returned home to his family in 1945, in Mason City, Illinois and ran a successful business for many years. Friends there will remember that Bill was always willing to come out at any time and in any weather to help customers with purchases forgotten during regular business hours. Bill sponsored a local bowling team and was instrumental in establishing a community golf course.
In 1969, Bill and Reeda moved to Springfield where Bill managed a Super-X Drug store. When Super-X closed, he worked for the Illinois Secretary of State.
Bill and Reeda retired in 1994 and moved to Champaign, Illinois where they enjoyed University of Illinois football and basketball. Bill and Reeda were contributors to the University of Illinois Foundation and members of the Memorial Stadium Colonnade Club, where they appreciated the wonderful students and employees. Bill and Reeda loved Chief Illiniwek and were sad when the University of Illinois agreed to retire the Chief. Bill was also an ardent, lifetime Cardinals baseball fan rarely missing a game on TV or in St. Louis.
A small graveside service will be held. Reeda will host a soup and salad luncheon for family and friends at the I Hotel in Champaign, Illinois, 1900 S. 1st St., on Saturday, February 22, from 11:00 AM to 2:00 PM. The family requests no flowers. Instead of flowers, donations may be made to C-U Church, 107 S. Webber St., Urbana IL. 61802.
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Posted February 6th, 2020 at 7:44 am
Reeda,
You are in my thoughts.
Sending you a great big hug.
Please let me know if you need anything.
Manny xoxo
Posted February 11th, 2020 at 9:12 am
My dear friend Reeda,
Bill was such a treat to see every week! I’ll miss his big smile and laugh!! Love you and I’ll see you soon! 🧡💙🧡💙🧡💙🧡💙
Jerry Deverick
Posted February 12th, 2020 at 11:48 am
Reeda, I was sorry to learn of your husband’s passing. You are in my and my sister’s thoughts. I’m your cousin Phil’s oldest daughter.
Posted February 16th, 2020 at 2:15 pm
Reeda & Family,
Bill was a very kind, thoughtful, and considerate person. I enjoyed working with Bill at Super-X.
God bless,
Jerry
Posted February 21st, 2020 at 5:58 pm
Hugs and prayers to you. Bill will be missed!
Posted February 26th, 2020 at 11:02 am
Rita,
Getting to know you and Bill at the Ribeye for all those years are cherished memories. I am honored to have had the pleasure of being a small part of both your lives. I am deeply sadden to hear of Bill’s passing and I worry about you as well. Just know that from across the country, I am always thinking about the both of you. Loving and thinking of fond memories always. Miss you both so much.
Love & God Bless.
Danica