William "Bill" H. Blalock

William H. "Bill" Blalock, 81, of Lowpoint, IL, passed away at 5:45 pm on Monday, April 21, 2025, at Carle Health-Methodist Hospital in Peoria, IL.

He was born on November 5, 1943, in Bay, AR, to Herman R. and Lillie (Fletcher) Blalock. He married Sandra M. "Sandy" Thompson on October 5, 1968 in Deerfield, IL.

Surviving are his wife, Sandy of Lowpoint; children, Brian Blalock of Lowpoint and Renee (Steve) Schreiber of Danvers, IL; grandchildren, Logan (Sahara) Schreiber of Lacon, IL, Katie Schreiber and Stevie Schreiber both of Danvers, IL; and great-granddaughter, Elena Schreiber of Lacon. He was preceded in death by his parents, step-mother Pearl Blalock, son-in-law Brad Teuerle, two brothers, two sisters, and three step-sisters.

Bill was always proud of his southern heritage and his home state of Arkansas.  In 1962, he moved to Illinois, working in gas stations and dealerships in the Chicago suburbs where he met and married Sandy, the "Love of his Life". In 1973, they moved to Metamora and lived there until 1996. In 1996, they moved to their dream country home in Lowpoint with land for a shop and a large garden.

He worked as a mechanic at UPS for 28 years, where the most important thing to him was "keeping his drivers on the road." He retired from UPS in 2002 to become a full-time grandpa.  Then, you could find him tinkering in his shop, mowing grass, working in the garden, or playing with grandkids. He enjoyed any kids that came to the house where they were loved and treated like grandkids. Family was the most important thing to him, and he loved to have his family around him as much as possible.

He taught his kids and grandkids right from wrong, "righty tighty lefty loosey," basic car and home maintenance, driving lessons, and so much more.  Most recently, he welcomed and cuddled his first great-grandchild, Elena Grace.  He was a proud Husband, Father, Grandfather, and Great Grandfather. All he ever wanted for his family was for them to be happy and healthy.

Everywhere he went, he made new friends. He was always willing to help a friend or neighbor; if he borrowed anything, it was returned in excellent condition and with a full gas tank.  Everyone knew they could stop, have a drink, and visit if the shop door was open. He was a long-time member of the River Valley Sportsman's Club, where he was the treasurer for many years. He also enjoyed helping the club with fundraising and social events and made many lifelong friendships.

Cremation rites have been accorded. A Celebration of Life Open House will be held on Saturday, May 17, 2025 from 1:00 pm until 4:00 pm at River Valley Sportsmen's Club, 311 East Lucille Street, East Peoria, IL 61611. In lieu of flowers, memorials may be given to Open Arms Food Pantry, 1200 West Mount Vernon Street, Metamora, IL 61548. Online condolences at www.masonfuneralhomes.com.

Open Arms Food Pantry
1200 West Mount Vernon Street, Metamora IL 61548