Gil Lee Williams, Sr.

GIL WILLIAMS, SR. 

JERSEYVILLE - Gil Lee Williams, Sr., 71, passed away at 11:58 a.m., Tuesday, October 14, 2025 at Jersey Community Hospital, following a courageous year-long battle with brain cancer.

He was born on October 6, 1954 in Jerseyville, Illinois, one of six children born to the late Maurice and Ruby (Lyles) Williams. Gil grew up in Fieldon, where he learned early on the value of hard work, honesty, and perseverance. Coming from a long line of truckers, he found his calling behind the wheel, a career that would span his entire adult life. Known to many by his CB handle, “Magilla Gorilla,” Gil spent countless miles on the open road as an over-the-road truck driver, finishing his career with Andrews Logistics before retiring in March of 2024.

On June 8, 1973, Gil married the love of his life, Karen Lewis, at the Fieldon United Church of Christ. Together, they built a life grounded in love, laughter, and family. They raised two children who were the pride of his life and later enjoyed the gift of grandchildren and great-grandchildren who brought him endless joy.

A true outdoorsman, Gil loved the simple pleasures in life, often with a cold Pabst Blue Ribbon in hand. He took great pride in his Scout and in the stories that came from the road.To those who knew him best, Gil will be remembered for his grit, his humor, and the way he showed his love, steady and sure.

Surviving are his wife of 52 years, Karen Williams of Jerseyville; a son, Gil Williams, Jr. and his significant other, Andrea Emmons of Carrollton; a daughter and son-in-law, Amy and Mike Henson of Carrollton; six grandchildren, Seth Henson, Hope Henson, Olivia Henson, Paige Henson, Eric Williams, and Makayla Constable; two great-grandchildren, Shaylee and Arthur; two brothers, Merle Williams of Auburn and Dennis (Vicki) Williams of Jerseyville;
his mother-in-law, Ida Lewis of Jerseyville;  as well as brothers-in-law and sisters-in-law, Karen Williams of Carrollton, David (Judy) Lewis of Jerseyville, John Lewis of Fieldon, and Don Lewis of Eldred.

In addition to his parents, he was preceded in death by his maternal grandparents, Harry and Edna Lyles; paternal grandmother, Beulah Rogers; an infant sister, Janet Williams;  two brothers, Don Williams and Maurice “M.B.” Williams; and his father-in-law, William Lewis.

Visitation will be held from 10 a.m. until time of funeral services at 12 p.m., Tuesday, October 21, 2025 at Crawford Funeral Home in Jerseyville. Burial will follow at Oak Grove Cemetery in Jerseyville.

In lieu of flowers, memorials may be given to the family to assist in the placement of a monument at Gil’s gravesite.

To send flowers to the family or plant a tree in memory of Gil Lee Williams, Sr., please visit our floral store.