William Ray "Will" Funderburk

William Ray “Will” Funderburk, 30, of Pocahontas, IL, passed away on Sunday, October 18, 2026, at his residence.

He was born on July 19, 1996, in Greenville, IL, to William Troy and Tracy (nee Hicks) Funderburk.

Following High School William began working in the railroad industry, as a locomotive mechanic and was fortunate to find his niche at such a young age. He worked for Alton Southern Railway. While he enjoyed his career, the job he was truly dedicated to was his job as DaDa. William was devoted to his son, Artie. All of William’s time was focused on his son and his responsibilities to his son. William and Artie loved to walk around Shoal Oaks (Funderburk Farm) and explore nature’s bounty. He loved to take Artie on day trips to explore area attractions to give Artie as many experiences as he possibly could. They spent hours playing together, reading, snuggling and just being silly. If you saw William and Artie together you would know that they were best buddies. Being a father brought out the absolute best in William.

William also enjoyed hunting, fishing, buying tools and tinkering with anything with a motor. Fishing from a kayak in Northern Wisconsin with his dad and family friends was always a favorite. He was an amazing cook and liked to prepare new dishes, always with his own flair. He was sensitive to others and had a soft heart. He always tried to be a person you could count on. He enjoyed time with his friends and was known for his sometimes-cheeky sense of humor.

In his memory, his family encourages anyone who may be struggling with their mental health or feeling overwhelmed by life’s challenges to reach out for help. You are not alone. Call or text 988 to reach the Suicide & Crisis Lifeline. You are loved more than you know, and the world is better with you in it. There is hope, there is help – Your Life Matters.

Preceded in death by paternal grandparents, Tom & Jean Funderburk; maternal grandfather, George Hicks.

William is survived by his son, Arthur Ray Funderburk, Pocahontas, IL; former wife, Gabby Randall, Pocahontas, IL; parents, William and Tracy Funderburk; sisters, Carissa (Shane Kuykendall) Handegan, French Village, MO, Cassandra (Shane) Potts, Branson, MO; maternal grandmother, Rexann Hicks; nieces and nephews, Autumn and Lexi Handegan, Jamisen & Quinten Potts.

In lieu of flowers the family requests donations to establish a memorial trust fund dedicated to his son Artie’s future.

Visitation: Friday, October 23, 2026, from 4:00 pm to 7:00 pm, Saturday, October 24, 2026, from 9:00 am to 11:00 am, at United Methodist Church, Pocahontas, IL.

Funeral: Saturday, October 24, 2026, at 11:00 am, at United Methodist Church, Pocahontas, IL.

Interment: Robinson Cemetery, Pocahontas, IL.

Meridith Funeral Home, Highland, IL.