Willis Thornton Gale, 48, of Cuba died at 4:49 p.m. Dec. 14, 2008, at OSF St. Francis Medical Center in Peoria.
He was born Jan. 26, 1960, in Albuquerque, N.M., a son of Willis D. Jr. and Mary Ann Thornton Gale. He married Connie Rilea on April 15, 1981, in Cuba. She survives.
Also surviving are his parents of Cuba; one son, Jack Smysor of Cuba; two daughters, Marlo (and Douglas) Waxs of Farmer City and Laura Williams of Wee-Ma-Tuk Hills; one brother, Thomas (and Carla) Gale of Birmingham, Ala.; four grandchildren; and one great-grandchild.
He and his dad farmed together until his dad retired in 1978. He and his wife owned and operated Full Moon Rentals.
He was a member of Cuba United Methodist Church. He also was a member of Cuba Civil Defense for many years, and a freelance photographer.
He and his wife took in 32 homeless people over the past 27 years.
Cremation will be accorded. Services will be held at 11 a.m. Thursday at Henry-Lange Memorial Home in Cuba with Rev. Ardith Corsaw officiating. Inurnment will be private. Visitation will be held one hour prior to services at the memorial home.
Memorials may be made to American Cancer Society.
Condolences may be sent to www.henrylange.com.