Ollie Thierry, Jr. 87, of Galesburg, died peacefully on August 27, 2020, at OSF St. Mary Medical Center, Galesburg.
Ollie was born November 10, 1932, in Galesburg the son of Ollie and Mattie Thierry, Sr. He married Mary Edna Brown on November 11, 1955. She preceded him in death on May 13, 2018. Ollie graduated from Galesburg High School where he played football. He enlisted in the US Army on February 5, 1953, and was honorably discharged on November 15, 1954. Ollie worked as a foreman at Butler Mfg. for over 40 years.
Ollie is survived by three children, Julie Brown-Houston of Portland, OR, Ollie (Trudy) Thierry, III of Beaverton, Or, and Byron (Rodney Burton) Thierry of Brea, CA; five grandchildren, Aaron C. Brown, Tina Houston, Kizzy K. Houston, Jordan Michael Thierry, and Nicholas Andre Thierry; eight grandchildren; and two great-great-grandchildren. Ollie is also survived by his brother, Theodore “Pete” Thierry of Galesburg; one sister, Betty Jean Howard of Indianapolis, IN; and a host of nieces and nephews. Along with his wife and parents, Ollie is preceded in death by four brothers, Sonny, Willard, George, and Boz; and one sister, Mary Martha.
Ollie was dedicated to his family and always had an open door for anyone in need. He was an avid fisherman; enjoyed cooking and playing cards. Ollie was enjoyed listening to Jazz and Country Music. Ollie was always community-oriented and served as the director of the Carver Center for over 20 years. He enjoyed watching sports on TV and was an avid Golden State Warriors fan.
Cremation will be accorded. Private family graveside services will be held at East Linwood Cemetery, Galesburg. A drive through visitation will be held 5 to 7 p.m. Thursday, September 3, 2020, at Watson Thomas Funeral Home and Crematory, Galesburg. Memorials may be made to the American Cancer Society. Online expressions of sympathy may be sent to the family at www.watsonthomas.com.
