William "Bill" W. White

William Wayne “Bill” White, 68, of Alpha, Illinois, passed away at 3:45 a.m. on Monday, August 24, 2026, at his home, surrounded by his loving family.

Bill was born May 27, 1958, in Moline, Illinois, the son of Wesley Wayne White and Janice Kay McCurdy. He graduated from AlWood High School in 1976.

Bill worked as a steelworker for Butler Manufacturing for 32 years, retiring when the plant closed.

He married Cheri Morgan, and they were married for more than 30 years before divorcing in 2011.

Surviving are his two daughters, Mellissa (Andrew) Lee of Alpha and Alana (Joey) Brown of Galesburg; six grandchildren, Sienna, Brody, Jacob, Melina, Nicolas and Maddilynn; one brother, Douglas (Lora) White of Woodhull, Illinois; a nephew, Adam (River) DeFoor-White; niece, Ashley White; and his beloved boxer, Tiny.

He was preceded in death by his father, Wesley White and his mother, Janice Bowen.

Bill enjoyed fishing, deer hunting and mushroom hunting and was an excellent bowler. He loved being outdoors, spending time on the water and playing the lottery. He was also a devoted Chicago Bears fan.

Bill was deaf for more than 20 years. Approximately three years ago, he received a cochlear implant, an experience that changed the way he lived his life and allowed him to more fully enjoy the sounds and moments that mattered most to him. Among his greatest joys was attending his grandchildren’s sporting events and being involved in their lives.

Cremation will be accorded. A Celebration of Life will be held at the Oxford American Legion Post 1197 in Alpha, Illinois, from 4:00 p.m. to 7:00 p.m. Saturday, October 24, 2026.

Arrangements have been entrusted to Watson Thomas Funeral Home and Crematory, Galesburg, Illinois. Online expressions of sympathy may be sent to the family at www.watsonthomas.com.