B.W. Self, Jr.

B.W. (Buford W.) Self, Jr.

Age 67 of Morris IL passed away at home on October 6th, 2015. He was born on February 16, 1948 in Birmingham (Clay) Alabama.  The middle child of seven children born to Emma and Buford (Jim) Self, Sr. (both now deceased), BW enjoyed his childhood years playing baseball with his family and friends, hunting snakes and disappearing into the limbs of a tree for the day.  In this neat and loving family, two brothers, Jimmy and Jerry Self proceeded him in death and one brother Rodney (Debby) Self and three sisters, Jane (Paul) Jones, Elaine Self and Dede (Greg) Wood remain to laugh, love and carry on.

BW graduated from Hewitt-Trussville High School in 1966.  He went on to the University of Tennessee Chattanooga on a football scholarship.  He played linebacker for the Chattanooga Moccasins and graduated in 1971 with a Bachelors in Science.

BW married Jeanette (Cranford) Self in 1970.  They had two children they adore, Ashley (Colin) Hopper and Brandon (Gretchen Erickson) Self.  They were married for 23 years.

In 1997, BW married Tammy (Domark) Self and lovingly embraced two step-children, Phillip (Katie Diaz) Hughes and Emmalee Hughes (Josh) Fitzgerald and 10 in-laws, their spouses and children.  The Larry (Carolyn) Domark family of Plainfield adored and enjoyed him as son-in-law, brother-in-law, uncle and friend.

BW was the proud grandfather of Isaac, Olivia and Owen Hopper; Benjamin (deceased), Cameron and Zachary (deceased) Self;  Colton, McKenzie and Carter Fitzgerald; and Ascher Hughes.   His departure from their lives came way too soon.

BW spent most of his professional life as the proud owner of S-T Piping Inc. in Minooka IL.  He started his piping career with Stockham Valve & Fitting Co in 1973.  He was in sales covering the northern Illinois territory.  He transferred to Saunders & Co in 1974, Mid State Mechanical in 1978 and Park Associates from 1981-1984.  He owned and operated S-T Piping from 1984 to 2012.  S-T Piping Inc. employed many members of Pipefitters Local 422 (now 597) over the years and served numerous corporations in Joliet and the surrounding area.  BW treasured the customer relations that over time turned into valued friendships.  He proudly served on the board of trustees for the Will/Grundy Contractors Association for many years and he helped start and establish the 700 Club in Grundy County.  His last couple years of employment were in sales for Manhattan Mechanical Services in Manhattan, IL.

BW was passionate about playing golf, hunting, fishing and having coffee with his coffee group.   He was well known and loved as an avid storyteller and patient listener.  He lived by the motto:  Treat others the way you’d like to be treated.  He brought southern charm to each life he touched.  He inspired many by his will and determination to keep on going no matter what adversity life put in his way.  He will be Greatly Missed.

A Celebration of Life Open House will be held Oct. 15th from 5-8 pm at Syl’s Restaurant at 829 Moen Ave in Rockdale IL.  A Memorial service will be held on Oct. 16th at 11 am at the Channahon United Methodist Church on (Eames Street) Rt. 6 in Channahon IL. Family and friends are invited to join together for a funeral luncheon in the church following the services.

In lieu of flowers donations may be made to the 700 Club of Grundy County/Morris IL,Make-A-Wish Foundation, or the Lone Star Family Fund at www.gofundme.com.

Green flameless cremation services have been made under the direction and care of Reeves Funeral Homes, Ltd. in Morris.