Orville Lee Fuqua, age 83, of Carlyle, formerly of Highland, passed away on Wednesday, September 2, 2026, at Carlyle Healthcare Center in Carlyle.

He was born on May 7, 1943, in Hannibal, MO, a son of the late Earl Richard and Edna Mary (nee Fisher) Fuqua.

Orville is survived by his children, Lee (Casie) Fuqua of Highland and Lindsey (Michael) Hart of Trenton; grandchildren, Zachary Linhart, Peyton Fuqua, Mikalyn (Michael) Marburger, Madisyn Hart, Travis Hart, Emma Hart and Iris Hart; great grandchildren, McKenzie Marburger Ellianna Marburger and Sophiah Marburger; a brother, Harold (Paula) Fuqua of O'Fallon, MO, and many nieces and nephews.

He is preceded in death by his parents; son, Chad Alan Fuqua and siblings, Robert Fuqua, Shirley Gibbs, Wayne Fuqua and Wyatt Fuqua.

He grew up in the Hannibal, MO area and his fondest childhood memories include growing up on his family farm and being taught in a one-room school house by his older sister, Shirley. He attended High School in Hannibal, where he was a multi-sport athlete and was offered a scholarship to play basketball. He worked in vacuum cleaner sales and service most of his life with his brother, Harold. He enjoyed riding motorcycles and dirt bikes with his family. He also loved to play pool and softball. He was a pitcher for over 40 years. In his last season, at age 62, he had the highest batting average on the team. He had an infectious personality that drew people to him. He always went out of his way to make those he'd meet feel like they were the most important person in the room using his kindness and sense of humor. He lived to be a devoted father, grandfather and great grandfather. Above all else, his faith in Christ was his foundation. His kindness, the love he shared, and his generosity reflected that foundation.

Visitation will be held Saturday, September 12, 2026, from 12:30 to 1:30 p.m., with Memorial Service immediately following at 1:30 p.m., at First Congregational Church, with Rev. Richard Cook, presiding in Highland, IL.

In lieu of flowers, plants, or other gifts, memorials may be made to the family (payable to Lee Fuqua) will be received at the visitation or by mail at Moss Funeral Home, 1501 9th St., Highland, IL 62249, which is serving the family.