Billy John French, 86, of rural Virginia, IL, died Thursday, June 1, 2023, at Heritage Health in Beardstown.

He was born Oct. 17, 1936, the son of David and Marie (Shaurette) French. He married Patricia Livingston on June 20, 1958, in Beardstown, and she survives.

He is also survived by one brother, Roy (Barbara) French of Virginia; and two sisters, Doris McKenzie of Beardstown (deceased husband, Earl) and Deloris Boice of Beardstown (deceased husband, Donald). He was preceded in death by his parents; and one brother, Jack French.

Bill graduated from Beardstown High School and was a veteran of the United States Army. He was a horse trainer for over thirty years and had trained a world champion Quarter Horse. He was also a horse show judge for ten different associations and held horse training clinics for kids and taught riding lessons. Bill was a talented wood carver, carving anything from horses, birds, fish, to anything he wanted. He was a member of the First Presbyterian Church of Virginia. Bill was an avid hunter and fisherman. He especially loved Pat "Big Red" and enjoyed spending time with her.

Funeral services will be held 2:00 pm Friday, June 9, 2023, at the First Presbyterian Church in Virginia, with burial at Beardstown City Cemetery. The family will meet friends from 1:00 to 2:00 pm prior to the service at the church. Memorials are suggested to First Presbyterian Church of Virginia. The Buchanan & Cody Funeral Home in Virginia is in charge of arrangements. Condolences may be sent online at buchanancody.com.