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Billy N. Chambers, 89, of Kissimmee, Florida, formerly of Lincoln, Illinois, died May 29, 2013 at home. He was born in Chattanooga, Tennessee, on June 26, 1923, and grew up in Chattanooga and in Washington, D.C. He joined the U.S. Army in 1941 and became a cadet in the fledgling Army Air Corps. After earning his wings at age 21, he flew a variety of military aircraft during WW II including B25s and B17s while stationed at Foggia, Italy. He was a Captain in the U.S. Air Force Reserve until 1983. Active as a pilot until 2002, he was a longtime member of the Experimental Aircraft Association and was a 53-year member of the Aircraft Owners and Pilots Association.

In 1953, Mr. Chambers entered Lincoln Bible Institute and Seminary (now Lincoln Christian University) to train for the ministry, earning a B.A. in 1958 and M.A. in Church History in 1963. He served the Eminence Christian Church in Atlanta, Illinois as preaching minister from 1953 to 1966. He also established and directed the missionary aviation program at Lincoln Bible Institute from 1958 to 1963. In 1966 he was employed as a rehabilitation counselor with the Illinois Dept. of Mental Health, working at the Lincoln State School. After that institution closed in 1975 he was employed by the Logan Correctional Center, first as the manager of the Center's Prison Industries, then as a Corrections Officer until his retirement as a Lieutenant in 1986.

In 1987 he and his wife, Roberta, moved to Kissimmee, FL, where she taught music at Florida Christian College and he volunteered on the college maintenance staff. As they had in Illinois, the two often conducted worship services at area nursing homes. Among other interests Mr. Chambers was widely known as a woodworker specializing in making furniture, children's toys, restoring antique furniture, and hand caning. He belonged to the Florida Flywheelers Antique Engine Club and the Model T Ford Club of America. He was member of First Christian Church, Kissimmee, FL.

Mr. Chambers was preceded in death by his first wife, Roberta (Mulliken) Chambers, a sister, Shirley Ritchey, and a brother, Roy Chambers. He is survived by his second wife, Jane Holsclaw Chambers, a son, Dr. Michael Chambers (Pamela) of St. Louis, MO, a daughter, Linda Storm (Randal) of Concord, MI, five grandchildren, Christopher (Nicki) Chambers, Cara (Jason) LeCureux, Rachel (Jeff) Stalnaker, David Storm, and Emily (Christopher) Elam. Also surviving are eight great-grandchildren, Nadine Chambers, Ian Chambers, Sophia Stalnaker, Eden Stalnaker, Wilder Stalnaker, Abigail LeCureux, Zoe LeCureux, and Felix Elam, a sister, Charlotte Roth of Columbus, GA, and a brother, Richard Chambers of Huntsville, AL.

Services will be conducted at Fricke-Calvert-Schrader Funeral Home in Lincoln, IL on Thursday, June 6 with visitation beginning at 4:00 p.m. followed by the funeral service at 7:00 p.m. Dr. Wayne Shaw will be officiating. Burial will be at the Arcola (IL) Township Cemetery, on Friday, June 7. Memorial donations may be made to Florida Christian College, 1011 Bill Beck Blvd., Kissimmee, FL, 34741, or to Hospice of the Comforter, 480 W. Central Parkway, Altamonte Springs, FL, 32714.