Joseph C. Rayhill, 86, passed away on Sunday, June 1, 2025, at the John & Orpha Blair Hospice House in Warren, PA. He was born in Pana, Illinois on January 20, 1939, the son of the late James and Evelyn (Duchaney) Rayhill. Joe graduated from Pana High School in 1956 and was a player on the Pana Panther Undefeated-Untied football team of 1955. This team stands alone as the only team in Pana High School history to hold this record. He recalled memories of this winning season with pride. After high school, Joe attended Millikin University in Decatur, Illinois. He graduated in 1960 and began a career in manufacturing. Joe worked as a plant manager at locations in Illinois and in Missouri. He retired after 25 years with Sundstrand Corporation and moved to Clearwater, Florida. He volunteered for many years in Clearwater as a youth mentor with the Chi-Chi Rodriguez Youth Foundation. This was a ‘made for Joe’ job as he loved both children and the game of golf. Along with golfing, Joe was a lifelong angler. He loved fishing and would fish anywhere he could ‘throw a line.’

Joe and Carolyn moved back to Illinois, and both became involved as volunteers with the Kiwanis Golden K in Decatur, Illinois. Joe particularly enjoyed Golden K volunteer events that revolved around helping children. Joe and Carolyn moved to Kane, PA where Joe continued to support that local community and continued to donate to many charities, especially those that involved helping children.

More than anything, he loved spending time with his family. He loved to be with his children and grandchildren and adored his great-grandchildren. Holiday gatherings were particularly special, and wonderful memories were made through the years with wife Carolyn, their children and grandchildren, siblings and many nieces and nephews. When Joe (Grandpa, Papa, Uncle Joe) entered the room there was always liveliness and laughter.

Joe will be remembered for his intelligence, his support and love for family, his fun-loving personality, and as someone who enjoyed good conversation.  Joe was one of a kind and will always be loved by his family and friends.

He is survived by his loving wife of 66 years, Carolyn (Simpson) Rayhill; his children, Rebecca (Mark) Koza of Kane, PA, Mark (Vickie) Rayhill of Des Plaines, IL and Ryan Rayhill of NY City; his daughter-in-law, Angel Lord of Springfield, Missouri; his grandchildren, Dr. Cole Harvey and his wife, Jo Fullmer of Tulsa, OK, Lauren (Alex) Shreffler of Russell, PA, Ethan Rayhill of Des Plaines, IL and London Rayhill-Santacruz of Joliet, IL; his great-grandchildren, Eleanor, Benjamin and Lily; his siblings, David (Carol) Rayhill of Decatur, IL, Doris (Eddie) Bean of Terre Haute, IN, Steve (Susan) Rayhill of Mt. Zion, IL and Jim (Helena) Rayhill of Satellite Beach, FL as well as numerous nieces and nephews.

In addition to his parents, Joe was preceded in death by his son, Michael S. Rayhill and infant son, Todd Rayhill and his siblings, Don Rayhill, Michael Rayhill, Joanne (Rayhill) Morrison, and Nancy (Rayhill) Hilton.

A burial service will be held on July 26, 2025 at 11:00 AM at Calvary Cemetery in Pana, Illinois. A Celebration of Life and a luncheon will be held at 12:00 Noon at the Knights of Columbus Hall, 213 S. Locust Street, Pana, IL

Memorial donations may be made to St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital online at www.stjude.org or by mail to 501 St. Jude Place, Memphis, TN 38105 or to Smile Train online at www.smiletrain.org or by mail, PO Box 96231, Washington, DC 20090-6231.

The Nelson Funeral Home & Cremation Services, 314 N. Main St, Youngsville, PA, have been entrusted with all arrangements. Condolences to the family may be made at nelsonfuneralhome.net