Robert J. Brilley's Obituary
Decatur-Robert J. Brilley, Sr., 88, of Decatur, passed away at 3:18 p.m. Tuesday, March 3, 2009 at St. Mary’s Hospital with his family by his side.
Mass of Christian Burial to celebrate Bob’s life will be 10:00 a.m. Saturday, March 7, 2009 at Our Lady of Lourdes Catholic Church, 3850 Lourdes Drive, Decatur, with Father Rick Weltin Presider. Visitation will be from 6:30-9:00 p.m. Friday, March 6, 2009 at the church. In lieu of flowers memorial contributions may be made to the St. Teresa High School Football Program or to the Macon County Senior Center Capital Campaign Fund. Graceland/Fairlawn Funeral Home is assisting the family with these arrangements. Online condolences and stories may be shared with the family at www.gracelandfairlawn.com.
Robert was born May 30, 1920 in Decatur the son of Dan and Stella (Doolen) Brilley. He was a hero to everyone who met him and loved by all. He Graduated from St. Teresa High School where he played football and was their star. He was offered a football scholarship to the University of Notre Dame. His catholic faith was an example to everyone. He was in the automobile business for over sixty-five years, owning his own new and used car lots for twenty years plus. In 1967 he began employment with El Bauer and soon became sales manager for Fehrenbach Chevrolet and then Miles Chevrolet for Miles Schnaer who he loved so much and was one of his best friends. He greatly admired and respected Cecil Vantuyle of Kansas City. The business was his love and he looked forward everyday to go to work and be with the “Brilley Boys” as they all dubbed themselves. His last boss was Pat Dawson who he himself hired and trained and was so very proud of him and he considered him his son.
He will be so deeply missed by his beloved wife Thelma of sixty-nine years, son; Robert J. Brilley II., daughters; Sandra C. Jennings of Decatur, Susanne M. Peck and husband Jim, who he loved dearly, of Decatur, Cecelia L. Heinrich of O’Fallon, Illinois, and Barbara J. Brilley of Springfield, Illinois, daughter-in-law Linda (Raupp) Brilley , grandchildren; Tina Ielase and husband Tony, Krystal Kracht, Ashley Jennings, Amy Fortae and husband Darrell, Celeena Heinrich, and Shane Brilley and wife Amy, eleven great-grandchildren, two step-grandchildren, as well as Roger Heinrich and Ron Jennings. His dog Maggie was his joy and she will miss him.
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