Billy Joe Blackshear Sr.

Billy Joe Blackshear Sr., age 75 of Belvidere, Illinois, formerly of Batesville died Sunday, June 21, 2009 at his home. He was born September 30, 1933 in Portia, Arkansas to William and Ora Blackshear. He attended schools in Arkansas, was a U. S. Navy veteran and worked mostly as a construction worker until he retired.He was preceded in death by his parents, two sons, Billy Joe Blackshear Jr. and William Luther Blackshear, one grandson Jason F. Blackshear and one sister.Survivors include one daughter, Beverly Thunberg and husband Tim of Belvidere, Illinois, one son James Blackshear and wife Christina of Rockford, Illinois, one sister Betty Rameriez and husband Daryle of Rockford, Illinois, two brothers, Charles Jerry Blackshear and wife Eula of South Carolina and Lonnie K. Blackshear and wife Linda of Rockford, Illinois, six grandchildren, eight great grandchildren, numerous nieces and nephews and a host of other relatives and friends.Funeral services will begin Friday, June 26, 2009 at 2:00 p.m. at the Qualls Batesville Funeral Service Chapel in Batesville with Bob Harris officiating. Burial will follow in the Egner Cemetery located in Salado with arrangements by Qualls Batesville Funeral Service of Batesville.Visitation will begin Friday, June 26, 2009 from 1:00 p.m. until service time at the Qualls Batesville Funeral Service Chapel.