Floyd "Butch" Eugene Epley

Floyd "Butch" Eugene Epley reeled in his last big catch and set up his final camp under the stars on February 7, 2024, in Rockport, Texas, at the seasoned age of 76. Born on November 18, 1947, in Peoria, Illinois, Butch was a proud graduate of Eureka High School and alumnus of Valpairaso Ivy Technical College.

A man who could paint the town in more ways than one, Butch was a professional painter before he retired. He was a master of the grill and the great outdoors, with his "pulled pork" being the stuff of legend. He had a passion for hunting, fishing, motorcycles, music, and life in general. If life was a lake, Butch certainly had the best fishing spot, and if it was a forest, he knew where the firewood burned brightest. Butch found solace and joy in nature, including the beach where spent his last years.

He will be deeply missed by his loved ones. Butch is survived by his daughters, Amanda Epley of East Peoria, IL, and Laura Clark of Cocoa Beach, FL, as well as his son, Robert Epley of Hampton, VA. He is also survived by his sisters, Nancy L Epley of Charlotte, NC, Patricia L Harmison (Don) of Washington, IL, and Carol Lynn Fowler (David deceased) of Galva, IL. Butch leaves behind his cherished grandchildren, Madison Epley of East Peoria, IL, Hanna Epley, Jordan Epley, and Joshua Epley of Hampton, Virginia and many cherished neices and nephews. Butch moved to Texas in 2008 and created his extended family in every town he lived. He will be truly missed by every life he has touched.

Butch was preceded in death by his father, Carl "Bud" Eugene Epley in 1980, his mother, Velta Louise Dawson in 1994, and his brother, Michael Ray Walker in 2022. May they all find eternal peace.

A Celebration of Life is being organized by family and friends in honor of Butch. it will be held on Saturday, March 2 2024 at the VFW located at 300 Zinser Place, Washington, IL. 61571 starting at 5pm. Pulled pork and mac and cheese will be provided. Feel free to bring a covered dish, great stories, memories and photos to share. This celebration will bring together family and friends to commemorate his remarkable life and the memories shared.