Billy J. Ash, age 66, of Flora, Illinois, passed away Thursday morning, February 11, 2021, at Clay County Hospital.

   He was born October 13, 1954, in Fairfield, Illinois, the son of Billie V. and Shirley M. (Young) Ash.  He was united in marriage to Karla J. Schnell on May 26, 2001, in Noble, and together they have shared 19 wedding anniversaries.

   Billy worked as a truck driver and worked in the oil fields.  He enjoyed watching Western movies and will be remembered as an independent minded “plain country boy.”  He could often be found piddling around the yard, tinkering with vehicles, cutting wood, or working in his vegetable garden.  He was a member of the Seventh-day Adventist Church of Noble where he served as an Elder and Deacon.  Billy enjoyed playing games like pinochle and Phase 10 and cherished time spent with his family. 

   He is survived by his wife: Karla Ash of Flora; 5 daughters: Lindsay (Richard) Wells, Denise Schnell, Trish (Rickey) McGrew, Amanda (Chris) Byam, and Jennifer Borton (Fiancé Eric Jones); 12 grandchildren: Ashley, Kyle, Dylan, McKynzi, Sami, Anthony, Piper, Dyllan, Linden, Star, Natalie, and Zoe; and siblings: Henrietta Brown, Roger (Pam) Ash, Randall (Rita) Ash, Loretta (Pete) Kistner, and Steve (Edna) Ash.

   He was preceded in death by his parents; 2 siblings; and infant twin granddaughters: Michelle and Nichole.

   A funeral ceremony will be held at 11 a.m. Friday, February 19, 2021, at Frank & Bright Funeral Home in Flora.  Interment will follow in Green Hill Cemetery, Noble.  Visitation will be Thursday evening from 4 until 7 p.m. at the funeral home.  Memorial donations are suggested to the family to assist with final expenses and will be accepted through the funeral home.  To share a memory or condolence visit: www.frankandbright.com