Kenneth E. "Slim" Williams

Kenneth Earl 'Slim' Williams 86, of North Pekin passed away at 5:50 am Saturday, May 23, 2015 at Richard L. Owens Hospice Home in Peoria surrounded by his family. Kenny was born to Uriah and Edna (Gan) Williams on November 6, 1928 in Waynesville, MO. He married Betty Smalley on July 10, 1964.She survives. Also surviving are Kenny and Bettys son Wayne Williams of Bloomington; daughter, Donna Cameron; sons, Randy Williams and Dirk (Debbie) Williams all of Pekin; seven grandchildren; several great grandchildren; one brother, Cecil (Gail) Williams of Mackinaw. He was preceded in death by parents, step daughter, Debbie Sue Williams, two brothers and two sisters. Kenny was very involved in his community.He was the owner of Williams Main St. Restaurant and Betty's Liquor Store in North Pekin.He was a member of the South Pekin Civil Defense for over 10 years, North Pekin Village Board for over 40 years, Zoning Board, and trustee for the Fire Dept. He had a walkway in North Pekin named after him Kenny Williams Walkway in appreciation of all his community service. He was a member of Pekin Moose Lodge #916, and Masonic Lodge. Kenny was of the Baptist faith.He loved music, owning his own band for over 60 years, The Kenny Williams & Country All Stars.He shared his talents playing at East Peoria American Legion for 12 years, Farmington Moose Lodge for 3 years, Pekin Moose for 5 years, Miller Center in Pekin, UAW, and played in Nursing Homes every Wednesday.His band opened for Jerry Lewis Telethon and for numerous country stars that performed in the area. He worked at Caterpillar as a machinist in quality control retiring in 1980 after 35 years of service. Kenny was very active until May 2015.His greatest joy was his wife, Betty.They did everything together and were seldom apart.They enjoyed fishing together, owning their own business together and traveling after selling their business.They traveled to Wisconsin, Nashville, Branson, Florida and numerous other places. Funeral services will be at 11:00 am Thursday, May 28, 2015 at Henderson Funeral Home & Crematory 2131 Velde Dr., Pekin with Rev. Huey Long officiating.Visitation will be Wednesday, May 27 from 5:00 pm to 8:00 pm at the funeral home.Entombment will be in Glendale Memorial Gardens Mausoleum in Pekin. Memorial contributions may be directed to the OSF Richard Owens Hospice Home. Cemetery Glendale Memorial Gardens 18119 Illinois Route 9 Pekin,IL 61554 Service Thursday, May 28, 2015 11:00 AM delete Pekin,IL 61554 Visitation Wednesday, May 27, 2015 5:00 PM - 8:00 PM delete Pekin,IL 61554