William Coates Ennis

William C. (Bill) Ennis, age 74 of Troy, IL, passed away in Maryville, IL, on July 10, 2024. William was born in 1950 in Syracuse, NY, to William and Rena “Lampman” Ennis. He was one of three children.

Bill went to school in NY where he ran on the track team and held a state track record for many years. He served in the United States Air Force and fought, twice, in the Vietnam War. He was the only surviving male in his family and was not required to enlist, but insisted on joining to fight for his country, as his father, mother, and step-father did. In 1978, he married the love of his life, Sandra Posey.

Bill was a member of Meadow Heights Baptist Church in Collinsville, IL, for many years. He was a volunteer for Heartland Hospice in Fairview Heights. Bill and his close friend, Larry Newell, worked with mentally challenged children and devoted time to running a bowling league for the children. They worked at the “Y” bowling alley to reduce costs to the families who could not afford bowling fees. They knew this would allow parents to have some free time to themselves. Bill enjoyed, fishing, spending time with his dogs, and being a loving husband to Sandra. He will be deeply missed !

Bill leaves to cherish his memory, his wife, Sandra Ennis; two sisters, Barbara (Jim) Manning, and Jacqueline (Frank) Fazio; sisters-in-law, Roxanna Rees, Betty (Rollie) Loewen and Kaye (David) Sams; many niece, nephews and friends.

He was preceded by his Stepfather, Britton Anderson, Mother, Rena, nephew, Britton Fazio, brother-in-law, Robert Rees.

Memorial Service to be held, Saturday, August 24, 1pm to 3pm, New Covenant Church (A Baptist Church in the Reformed Tradition), 3899 S State Rt 159, Glen Carbon, IL 62034, 618-288-6411. Entrance to Church next to Glen Carbon Fire Station, at 430 Glen Carbon Rd, Glen Carbon (cross street is S State Rt 159).

Contributions may be made to Heartland Hospice at 3336 Salem Pl. Ste165, Fairview Heights, IL 62208.