William “Bill” James Heap
89, of Macomb
William “Bill” James Heap, 89, of Macomb, Illinois, passed away Sunday, November 30, 2025, at Wesley Village Healthcare Center in Macomb, Illinois. Leaving behind a legacy of love, caring and unbelievable stories.
He was born November 13, 1936, in Macomb, Illinois, to James Everett and Mildred (Lantz) Thorndill. He had a spirit that refused to meet a stranger and had the gift of making everyone feel like an old friend. He made the world kinder just by being in it.
He is survived by his wife of 64 years, Patricia (Campbell) Heap and his children, Barbara (Mark) Bloom of Macomb; Lisa (Matthew) Grubesic of Colorado Springs, Colorado; and Amanda (Lindsay) Frazier of Peoria, Illinois; along with his grandchildren, Brigette (Brandon) Colley, Cory (Sarah Lynn) Bloom, Brooke Bloom, Catherine (Westin) Cox, Nicolette (Driss) Collaso, Abigail (Matthew) Gleeson, Zachary (Kelly) Frazier, Ethan Frazier, and Courtney Frazier. He is also survived by nine great-grandchildren and his brother, Gene (Carol) Heap of Media, Illinois.
He was preceded in death by his father Everett Heap and stepmother, Barbara Heap, and his sister, Nina Young.
A true lover of life and his family. Bill found his happiest moments in the great outdoors. He was never more at peace than when he was casting a line at sunrise, tracking through quiet woods at the farm on a crisp morning for the illusive deer, or lining up a perfect shot on the golf course. All of which he handed down to his future generations.
Those who knew him will forever remember his easy smile, his generous heart, and the way he could turn an ordinary day into something worth celebrating. He believed life was meant to be shared and lived to the fullest.
Bill was a member of St. Paul Church, the Knights of Columbus, Macomb Country Club, and the Macomb Elks Lodge, where he served as Exalted Ruler. He was inducted into the Western Illinois University Hall of Fame as a supporter and helped found the Western Athletic Club in the early 1970s. He was also a proud Veteran of the US Navy.
A Funeral Mass will be held at 11:00 a.m. Saturday, December 6, 2025, at St. Paul Church, with visitation at the Church from 9-11 prior to the Mass. Father Marc Nkulu will officiate. A reception will be held immediately after mass at the St. Paul Gym.
Memorial contributions are suggested to Wesley Village, MDH Hospice, or St. Paul School. Dodsworth-Piper-Wallen Funeral Home is in charge of arrangements. Please sign the guestbook and leave condolences at www.dodsworthfh.com.
