Wood River,

William G. "Bill" Burney, 83, passed away at 7:50 p.m. Wednesday, October 19, 2016, at his residence, with family close by.

Bill was born on July 25, 1933 in Carlinville, he was the only child of the late Paul Stanford and Gladys Lorene (Greenwood) Burney.

Bill married the former Bernelda "Nell" Betts on January 16, 1954 in East Alton. Nell survives and the couple was blessed to have had over 62 years together.

As a produce Manager, Bill started working for Tri City Grocery Company, both in Wood River and East Alton. Tri City closed and Bill began working for the Kroger Grocery Company also in East Alton and Godfrey. When Kroger's also closed, having had many years of service, in 1989, Bill retired.

Besides Nell, surviving are two son's and their wives, Paul W. and Debbie Burney of Meadowbrook, Steve W. and Betheny Burney of Ellenwood, GA., adopted son Marc Wolfe; three grandchildren, Amie Slimick and Brian, Lisa Shain and Tom, Kyle Burney, adopted granddaughter, exchange student Dr. Emma Felipe; six great-grandchildren, Jonathon, Alayna and Liam Shain, Isabella Stockton and Ryan, Austin and Nathan Slimick; a great-great- grandson, Brendan Slimick; numerous sisters-in-law, brothers-in-law, nieces and nephews.

Bill was a lifelong NASCAR fan and it rubbed off on his sons and grandchildren. He loved to watch the old classic movies, the westerns were his favorite and if they were in black and white, that was even better and he would watch them over and over again, however, being with his family, this is what he truly loved most of all.

A celebration of Bill's life will begin at 5:00 p.m. until 8:00 p.m. Friday, October 21, 2016 at Gray Funeral Home in Wood River, where services will be at 10:00 a.m., Saturday, with Rev. Mike Vaughn officiating.

Burial will be at Rose Lawn Memory Garden's in Bethalto.

Memorials may be given to The National Kidney Foundation or Victory Junction Gang Camp (the camp is sponsored by the Pettys (NASCAR).