KARNAK, Ill. — Wallace L. “Wally” Goins, 81, of Karnak, Ill., was called home to be with the Lord at 11:00 a.m. Thursday, October 4, 2012, at Western Baptist Hospital in Paducah, Ky.

He was born in Anna, Ill., on September 26, 1931, son of Susie (Thrasher) Goins and Andy Goins, both now deceased.

He was a veteran of the U.S. Navy and served from 1951 to 1955. He was a pipefitter on the repair ship, US Briareus, stationed at Norfolk, VA.

Wally was widely known through various positions he held through the years.

He loved sports and was a fast-pitch softball pitcher during high school in Karnak and with other teams following graduation.

He loved farming, raising animals, either to sell or for his own enjoyment. He was a barber for over 53 years, having studied in Springfield, Ill., to acquire his license.

He was also an accomplished taxidermist, with his specialty being white-tail deer mounts.

For many years, he also raised and sold registered black and tan coonhounds, and bird dogs. Wally was an avid hunter until his health failed.

He is survived by his wife, Jean; one son, Chad Wallace (Celesta) Goins of Metropolis; two daughters, Kimberly (Rod) Beck of Post Falls, Idaho, and Andra (Mike) Kerley of Metropolis; two granddaughters, Amy Beck of Colorado, and Cassidy Kerley of Metropolis; five grandsons, Andrew Blake Goins, Curtis Kerley, Aaron Gillis, Joshua Allbritten, and Evan Allbritten, all of Metropolis; two great-granddaughters, Raylon and Melody Beck of Texas; and one great-grandson, Ty Beck of Texas; one brother, Dr. Manul (Shirley) Goins of Goreville; and two sisters, Kathryn (Loren) Sickling of Dongola and Letha (Oral) Sickling of Calvert City, Ky.

Also surviving are two nieces, Teresa (Kevin) Cherry of Dexter, Ky., and Julie Bailey of Dongola; four nephews, Rev. Mark (Kristin) Sickling, La Center, Ky., Rev. Matthew (Mary Anne) Sickling of Beaver Dam, Ky., Dr. Greg (Raetta) Goins of West Frankfort, and Eric (JoAnne) Goins of Goreville. He also has surviving great-nieces and great-nephews, many cousins and a great host of friends. He will be sorely missed.

Wally became a Christian at the age of 20 and was a member of the United Methodist of Karnak.

Funeral services will be Sunday, October 7, 2012, at 5:00 p.m. at Wilson Funeral Home in Karnak.

Rev. Mark Sickling and Rev. Matthew Sickling will be officiating with music provided by Julie Bailey. Internment will be in the Anderson Cemetery at Boaz, Ill.

Visitation will be Sunday at Wilson Funeral Home in Karnak from 1:00 p.m.. until the hour of the funeral.

Wilson Funeral Home is entrusted with the arrangements.

You may leave your condolences and sign the register at www.wilsonfuneralhome1928.com.