Billy J. Andrews

Billy J. Andrews, 65 of Palm Springs, CA passed away Monday, November 1, 2021 in Palm Springs, CA. Bill was born on August 13, 1956 in Pekin, IL to Jimmy D. and Amelia M. (Masnari) Andrews. Bill was preceded in death by his father, one Uncle, John Masnari and one Aunt, Shirley Frank. He is survived by: his Mother, Amelia, two brothers; Jerry of Peoria, IL and Scott (Joni) of Tremont, IL, his Uncle Gary Andrews of Pinkneyville, IL, Uncle Ray Frank of Morton, IL, his Aunt Sharon Mutchler of Pekin and many nieces, nephews and cousins. Bill graduated from Pekin Community High School in 1974. He worked construction in the Pekin/Peoria area until his early 20s when he moved to California, living in the Los Angeles area. There, he and a couple friends started and operated a security and fire alarm system business serving commercial and residential clients for several years. Bill later worked in assistant management for a popular resort in Big Bear, CA before moving to Palm Springs where he finished his working years as a security technician for Command-1. Bill was not a fan of cold/snowy Illinois winters but absolutely loved living in the desert among the beautiful mountains easily viewed from his front window, the gorgeous sunrises and sunsets each day and the quiet star-filled night skies. He took joy in capturing those images and sending them to family in Illinois. Bill loved old cars, especially the large powerful luxury cars of the late-1960s to early-1970s. Cadillac was his favorite. He left Illinois in a fire engine red 1969 Deville convertible and still owned a 1970 Eldorado when he passed. Bill loved music, cooking, watching old TV shows and had a special love for cats, many of them in need, lost or otherwise stray. He provided them all with food and shelter when they had none and even named each one. Bill also had a pet roadrunner for many years who joined the cats in adopting Bill. Rudy would hop through the pet door like the cats and help himself to cat food in the kitchen. Bill was extremely generous, both of his time and resources. Over many years he volunteered weekends and free time at area animal shelters, often bringing donations of food. He was a meticulous shopper and would look for the best sales and coupons to stock up on canned goods and non-perishables. If he bought 10 of something, only a few were for his use. The rest would go on a storage rack. When he felt he collected enough boxfuls of goods he would head down to the homeless shelter or local food pantry to donate. He always knew there were people who needed the help more than himself and doing this was part of his place on this earth. A Memorial Service will be held at 1:00 PM Friday, December 3, 2021 at Henderson Funeral Home & Crematory with Father Michael Andrejek officiating. Visitation will be from 12:15 PM 1:00 PM Friday. Burial will be Glendale Memorial Gardens in Pekin following the Service. Memorial contributions may be made to any local no-kill animal shelter or to TAPS, 100 Taps Ln. Pekin, IL. 61554 "Gone From Our Sight, But Forever In Our Hearts" Memorial Service Friday, December 3, 2021 1:00 PM Henderson Funeral Home & Crematory 2131 Velde Dr. Pekin,Illinois 61554 Visitation Friday, December 3, 2021 12:15 PM - 1:00 PM Henderson Funeral Home & Crematory 2131 Velde Dr. Pekin,Illinois 61554