Paul "Chuck" Linley

Paul "Chuck" Linley was born on November 29, 1931. He grew up a hard-working farm boy from Moark, Arkansas, picking cotton and plowing fields from a very young age. He came to Rockford, IL, looking for work in 1948. Before long, he found a job at National Lock Company, where he worked until retirement at the age of 50 years old. He met Patricia Holmes in Rockford and quickly fell deeply in love. They traveled to Pocahontas, Arkansas to be married on April 29, 1950. His love and devotion to his sweetie, Pat, was unfailing, as was his love for his children and their families. Paul and Pat had eleven children and he worked hard – sometimes two jobs at once – to provide for his family. Paul was baptized as a Jehovah’s Witness on March 9, 1963 and was a member of the South Rockford Congregation. The Linley home on Kirkwood Drive was always open to friends and family to visit and many have fond memories of sharing meals together, listening to Paul and friends play music, playing cards or ping pong, singing karaoke, and just having a good time. In later years, Paul and Pat took a seven-year "vacation" to Cherokee Village, Arkansas, where they made many more dear friends. Despite the ravages of Alzheimer's, he could always quote his favorite scripture, John 17:3, from memory – “This means everlasting life, their taking in knowledge of you, the only true God, and of the one whom you sent forth, Jesus Christ.” He looked forward to enjoying life everlasting on a paradise earth after his resurrection.

He will be dearly missed by his dear sweetie, Pat, his ten children, Paul Jr, Cora (Rick) Stamler, John (Patti) Linley, David (Mona) Linley, Mark (Lori) Linley, Darla (Dan) Jacobson, Dan (Mehgan) Linley, Regina (Scott) Wells, Lori Ann Linley and Michael (Sundown) Linley; his grandchildren, Joshua, Austin, David, Jeremy, Adam, Michelle, John, Tiffany, Amy, Joshua, Jennifer, Annie, Dustin, Abigail, Nicholas, Matthew, Ashley, Anna, Angela, Jacob, Sarah, Zachary, Kyla, Noah, Connor, and Nathaniel; over 30 great-grandchildren and four great-great-grandchildren; numerous nieces, nephews, and so many friends. He was predeceased by his son, Keith; his parents Rufus Linley and Annie Louise Linley (born Eddy); siblings Anderson, Davis, Arthur, Lorene, Eulene and William; and 2 grandchildren, Stacy Ann and Andrew Paul Linley.

Special thanks to the memory care staff at PA Peterson.

An online Memorial Service will take place for Paul at a later date, to be announced. To send online condolences, please visit www.fitzgeraldfh.com.