William Beil

William (Bill) W. Beil, 74, passed away unexpectedly from cardiac arrest at his home in Springdale, Arkansas, on February 28, 2023.  He was born October 4, 1948 in Urbana, Illinois to Mary P. (Bracken) and Mervin. L. Beil while his father was attending law school. After graduation, the family moved to Charleston, Illinois, where Bill attended school through college.

Bill was named after the nickname his father earned in the Navy during WW II.  When asked, Mervin would reply that his name was “Beil”, which was invariably interpreted as “Bill.”  As an adult, Bill came to prefer introducing himself as William to avoid the confusion created by “Bill Beil.”

William enjoyed music, playing guitar, photography, and writing.  After graduating from Eastern Illinois University with a degree in speech communications, William enlisted in the Army.  He served as a photojournalist and communications specialist in Public Affairs, often writing human interest stories and serving as editor of newsletters, publicity releases, and information releases.  He was stationed at various posts, including Fort Riley, KS, Germany, South Korea, Fairbanks, AK, and Fort Knox, KY.    He married Chong Sun Beil in Seoul on March 5, 1987.      

His numerous military citations included the Army Commendation Medal, National Defense Service Medal, Expert Qualification Badge M-16 Rifle and Sharpshooter Qualification Badge, .45 Caliber Pistol.  Bill’s rank was Sergeant First Class when he left the Army.

After leaving the Army, Bill thoroughly enjoyed a stint traveling the country as a long-haul driver for JB Hunt and Tyson Foods in Arkansas before ultimately settling down in supervisory roles  such as dispatch coordinator at Tyson.

William was preceded in death by his parents and a brother, Bradford Lee Beil. His wife, Chong Sun, born February 2,1938 in South Korea, passed away on April 11, 2023, just six weeks after Bill.  He is survived by daughter Katrina Stewart Ingle, son Christopher Beil, grandson Liam Ingle, sister Bonita Beil Shane, nephew Brad Beil, and nephews Jacob and Ben Shane.

Bill will be buried with military honors next to his parents and brother on December 8, 2023, at 11:00 a.m. in a graveside service at Hart Cemetery, Litchfield, Illinois.

Hough Funeral Home in Raymond is handling local arrangements