William Theodore Gorrell

Fri, 05/03/2024 - 4:36pm — Diane Dyer

Bill Gorrell went to be with Jesus on April 24, 2024. He was born on February 2 nd , 1941 to James Harvey and Vivian Ellis Gorrell in Brownwood Texas.

Bill was preceded in death by his father, mother, and dear brother Jimmy Gorrell.

He is survived by his devoted wife, Toni Gorrell, son Jeremy Gorrell of Decatur,daughters Hillary Nevins (Jeff) of Springfield and Jessica Hooten of Normal. Bill is also survived by his pride and joy- his grandchildren. He was a beloved “Boppa” to William Teichman, Atticus Teichman, Allison Teichman, James Hooten, Sophia Gorrell, Jude Hooten, Julian Hooten, Jacob Nevins, Norah Nevins and his British grandchildren Gani and Jenny Nuredini. Survivors also include two brothers John (Joann) and Paul Gorrell, one sister Polly (Bill) Burnsed, and ten nieces and nephews including a very special nephew, Mike

Pashea.

Bill is also survived by bonus family members Ron and Nina Nuredini, his Albanian family, Suellen Goken, Doug and Natalie Wetzel and children, Brent

Goken, Alex and Laila Wexler, and Jon and Julie Goken and children. Other survivors include his dear friends Don and Shirley Beggs and Corey Adams.

Bill had many adventures growing up on the Brownsville Road in Mt. Vernon. He was most proud of being a Marine in the 11 th Marines stationed at Camp Pendleton. He was also an Eagle Scout and loved working high school summers as Director of the Waterfront at Camp Joy in Carlyle, Il. Although he did not aspire to be a lineman like his father, he thoroughly enjoyed working on highline construction crews in the summers throughout college.

He graduated from Rend Lake College in Mt. Vernon, Il and Southern Illinois University with a BA in English, a MS in Guidance and Counseling, and a PHD in Higher Education. Bill worked at Sangamon State University in Springfield (now U of I) and Illinois State University as Director of Institutional Research.

The culminating event of Bill’s life was when he gave his life to Jesus in 1976. We are so thankful for the time we were able to spend with him on this Earth and look forward to being with him again in Heaven. A wonderful example of providing for your family and honoring your mother and father; Bill.

A service will be held at a later date, under the direction of the Smith Funeral Home.