William "Bill" Eugene Packett, Sr., 72 of Belleville,IL, born October 12, 1949 in Bloomfield, MO, passed away on Wednesday, January 19, 2022 at his residence.

Bill was a Specialist 5 in the U.S. Army Company B, 723 Battalion Americal Division. He served in the Vietnam war and received the Bonze Medal and multiple other commendations. He was a member of Grace Church in Fairview Heights, IL as well as the Smithton Sportsman Club and Americal Division Veterans Association.

Bill was a hero to his country, his family, friends and many others. His spirit came from his deep faith and belief in God. After the Army, he went to college and earned his degree in Business Science (where he made the Deans list with high honors), He also completed school and training in Law Enforcement and EMT training, after which he served his community as a Deputy Sheriff in St. Clair County for 10 years and was named St. Clair County Deputy of the Year. He then formed Greystone Environmental and Silverstone Realty. After retiring and closing those companies, he was employed by Arbors Memory Care Center where he helped above and beyond, always putting a smile on everyone's face. Bill's whole life was dedicated to helping and caring for others. He is described as faithful, loyal, steadfast, generous, kind, gentle, soulful, loving....the list goes on. He loved and was loved by so many. More than he ever realized. Bill was a true hero in so many ways. He will be missed. "Your loving gentle nature will live in our hearts till we meet again dear husband, dad, stepdad, brother, grandpa and friend'.

He was preceded in death by his parents, Billie and Marian Packett, nee Heath; two sisters, Susan Packett.

Surviving are his wife, Pamela Jo Packett, nee Vaughn who he married on April 28, 2017; children, Bill (Melissa) Packett Jr. of North Carolina, Melissa (Johnny) Baur of Illinois, Ronda (Sky) Smith of Illinois, Michelle King of Arizona and John (Evie) Newell Jr of Illinois; two sisters, Louise (Irwin) Palau of Illinois and Karol Packett of Ohio; brother Joseph Packett of Texas; several grandchildren and great grandchildren. He was a dear brother-in-law, uncle, cousin, and friend.

It was Bill's wishes to be cremated. He will be buried with Military Honors at Jefferson Barracks National Cemetery at 1:00 p.m. on Thursday, April 28, 2022. The funeral procession will leave Braun Family Funeral Home, Columbia, Illinois at 12:30 p.m., led by the Illinois Patriot Guard.