Mr. William "WC" "Cornbread" Charles Colley

January 17, 1959 - September 12, 2020

Mr. William “WC” Charles Colley, also known as Cornbread, 61, of Peoria, IL passed away at 12:36 am on Saturday, September 12, 2020 at his home. WC was born on January 17, 1959 in Augusta, Arkansas to proud parents William, Sr., and Reba Mae (Grady) Colley. He was educated in Arkansas and later moved to Peoria, IL where he graduated from Manual High School. He last worked for Caterpillar, Inc as a forklift operator. He married the love of his life, Ruby Gene Allen on June 10, 2005. WC loved sports, his family and had a special connection with his grandchildren. He was an exceptionally kind and soft-spoken man that always had words of wisdom to encourage people. He never would complain, even in the midst of his illness. He would just say, “I’m hanging in there, just pray for me.” WC was very proud of being clean and sober for over 21 years and was a lead conductor of AA meetings every Saturday over the years helping others overcome their addictions. WC leaves to cherish his most precious memories his loving and devoted wife, Ruby G. Allen-Colley of Peoria, IL; his children, Kiondra Allen of Galesburg, IL and Cionna Allen of Peoria, IL; step-children, Daphine (Paul) Howard of Chicago, IL, Eronda Allen, Sheronica Allen and Lerone Allen all of Peoria, IL; one sister, Theresa Colley of Peoria; his favorite uncle, Jessie (Pearlie) Russell of Indiana; two special aunts, Dorothy (Harrell) Williams of Peoria, IL and Faye (Robert) Paige of East St. Louis, MO and three special cousins, Derrick Jackson, Terrance Jackson and Lonnie Edwards all of Peoria, IL; and a host of grand and greatgrandchildren, nieces, nephews, other relatives and friends. He is preceded in death by his parents; four siblings, Donald Colley, Wanda Mitchell, Marilyn Colley and Linda Sims. A private funeral service will be held at 11 am on Saturday, September 19, 2020 at Simons Mortuary Chapel with a visitation beginning at 10 am. Brother Robert Williams of Kingdom Hall of Jehovah Witnesses will bring words of comfort to the family. Simons Mortuary is entrusted with arrangements. Online condolences may be made at simonsmortuary.com. The funeral service will be live-streamed on Simons Mortuary's Website or Facebook page at https://www.facebook.com/Simons-Mortuary-232095303487150 promptly at the time of the service. Due to Covid-19 restrictions, social distancing and attendance limits will be observed. The chapel can socially distance and seat a limit of 30 or less people. All others will be able to flow through and view prior to beginning the Celebration of Life Ceremony. As the States begin re-opening in response to the Global Coronavirus Pandemic, some people are returning to their previous normal living standards. Unfortunately, we are now in our new normal as unreal and sometimes uncomfortable as the socially distancing and continuous use of protective masks may feel. *In an effort to mitigate the spread of COVID-19, we ask that everyone in attendance: wear a face mask and refrain from hugging, kissing and shaking hands (as hard as it is to see someone you care about and not touch them). Thanks in advance for your cooperation! *It is our responsibility as Funeral Directors, to do everything we can to advise families in order to honor our beloved Families and to keep everyone as safe as possible.