Willie Sanchez, 81, of Greenville, died on Nov. 3, 2023, with his wife Virginia and their eldest son Nathan by his side.
A funeral mass will be held at 10 a.m., Wednesday, Nov. 22, at St. Lawrence Catholic Church, located at 512 S. Prairie St., Greenville, with Father Jeffery Stone, officiating. Burial will follow the funeral mass at St. Lawrence Catholic Cemetery in Greenville. Reception will follow the burial at St. Lawrence Catholic Church Hall, located at 512 S. Prairie St., Greenville. The family has entrusted Assalley-Young Funeral Home in Greenville with the ceremonies.
Mr. Sanchez was born on Oct. 28, 1942, in Visalia, CA, the son of William and Ramona (Hook) Sanchez.
Mr. Sanchez was a member of the Marine Core, Army National Guard, and Military Army Reserves. His passions were many. He loved to surf, scuba dive, run marathons, snow ski, riding his Harley ‘fat boy,’ as well as parachuting and was a Parachute Jumpmaster. He was also active in Pop Warner football, as a board member, in California.
While visiting his son Nathan in Greenville, he fell in love with the town. When talking about his visit he would say, “my arm hurts from waving back to all the people who waved at me.”
Mr. Sanchez started looking at the houses and called his wife to tell her he found a home for them. They relocated to Greenville in May 2016 with six of their children. Willie loved to play his drums and soon found a place to play at the First Baptist Church in Greenville. He loved to watch his sons’ and grandsons’ games and could be found at many of their sporting events cheering them on. At the age of 80, he decided to coach the Junior Comets football team, where he was referred to as “Pops” by his players.
Mr. Sanchez is survived by his wife of 44 years, Virginia; his sons, Nathan (Nicole) Sanchez, Dominic Sanchez, Eric Sanchez, Joseph Sanchez and Michael Sanchez; his daughters, Maggie (DeVan) Sanchez, Nikki (Cole) Selman and Jenna Sanchez; his grandchildren, Dominic Sanchez Jr., Jayden Sanchez, Mekenna (Vicky) Sanchez, Marcus, Mathan, Maddox, Maveryk and Magwyer Sanchez, Zack (Jen) Wilbur, Cody and Avery Wilbur and Malikai Selman; as well as his sisters-in-law, nieces, and nephews.
He was preceded in death by his parents, a daughter, Myka Sanchez, and a sister, Debra Pruner.
Memorial contributions in memory of Willie can be made to: Comets Sports Boosters, c/o Joe Alstat, Greenville High School, 1000 E. Rte. 140, Greenville, IL 62246. Please visit www.assalleyfuneralhomes.com to share memories or offer condolences to the family.
