Billy J. "Bill" Sempsrote, Sr.

Billy J. "Bill" Sempsrote, Sr., 77, of Robinson, IL, passed away unexpectedly on September 12, 2021, at Crawford Memorial Hospital in Robinson. He was born April 14, 1944, in Salt Lake City, UT, the son of Millard Lee "Jack" & Marjorie Elizabeth (Strange) Sempsrote, both of whom preceded him in death. He married Janet K. Guess on July 19, 1974, and she survives. He is also survived by his sons, Billy J. Sempsrote, Jr. (Robinson, IL), Bryan M. Sempsrote (Robinson, IL), and Brett N. & Bridget M. Sempsrote (Indianapolis, IN); by his grandchildren, Monica K. Sempsrote, Lennon M. Sempsrote, and Bronx R. Sempsrote; as well as several nieces and nephews. Bill grew up in the Robinson area and was a 1962 graduate of Robinson High School. As a young man, he aspired to be a barber and attended barber college in Springfield, IL, where he graduated on July 16, 1964. Soon after, he answered his country's call, serving in the U.S. Army during the Vietnam War. Back home, Bill found work as a mail carrier and was a friendly and familiar face to many area residents for 32 years. Though much of his career found him outside, he spent quite a bit of his free time out in God's creation as well. He enjoyed fishing and often looked forward to quail season when he would hunt alongside his pointer bird dogs. From an early age, Bill also held a deep love for the game of baseball. A longtime infielder and pitcher, he was famous for his knuckleball, which was nearly unhittable! His passion for America's pastime was passed on to his sons, as he taught them the ins and outs of the game and was their biggest fan when they hit the field. Over the years, his enthusiasm for the game never dwindled as he continued to follow Alex Rodriguez and his beloved Yankees and Mariners until the very end. He also loved music and was especially drawn to all the Golden Country Hits from artists such as Hank Williams and the "poet of the common man," Merle Haggard. He was known to serenade his beloved wife Jan and their family with these old country songs sung over the sound of his guitar, and these made for many sweet memories. Bill was involved with a number of area organizations. As a veteran, he became a member of the Robinson American Legion Post #69 and the Robinson V.F.W. Post #4549. As someone who strived to become the best version of himself, he found a brotherhood of like-minded men in the Robinson Masonic Lodge #250. Eventually, he journeyed deeper into the teachings of the craft by joining the Valley of Danville Scottish Rite as well. The twilight years of his life often found him tending to his yard, which provided him with a great source of purpose and satisfaction. In fact, he and his son, Bill, Jr., were known to collect and restore old Lawn-Boy mowers. This was something Bill truly enjoyed; after all, nothing brought more life to his living than simply spending time with his family. He was a faithful husband, a dedicated father, and a doting grandfather and poured himself into each of these roles. His loved ones will remember their beloved "nut" with fondness as he lived out of an abundance of both humor and joy. It was evident that Bill Sempsrote gave far more than he received. We are thankful that his selfless love lives on within us so that we may continue his remarkable legacy for as long as we live. A time of visitation will be held from 12:00-2:00 p.m. on Friday, September 17, at the Goodwine Funeral Home in Robinson. A Masonic service will be held at 2:00 p.m. on Friday and will be followed by a funeral service conducted by Rev. Jerry McDaniel. Burial will be in the Robinson New Cemetery. In honor of his love of music, memorials may be made to a music-centered organization or charity of the donor's choice. Envelopes will be available at the funeral home.