Merle "Smokey" Nevitt, 87, of Sycamore, IL died on July 5, 2026 at NW Medicine- Kishwaukee Hospital in DeKalb.

He was born on August 16, 1938 in DeKalb, Illinois. Merle was the son of Ruth (Nevitt) Voyles.  Later in life he married Linrae VanEpps on July 30, 1967. They were happily married for 59 years.

Merle was employed for 43 years at the Barber Greene/Caterpillar plant.

Smokey is known, as kind of a Sycamore legend, for his pioneering driving at Sycamore Speedway, mostly known for his classic stock cars and flat tire motorcycle racing. Also, he was known for his incredible 15,000 Christmas lights display for almost 50 years on Alfred Drive that won multiple national competitions. He was a loving family man and enjoyed a cup of coffee at the Sycamore Cafe with his buddies.

Survivors include his wife, Linrae Nevitt; 4 children, DeeDee McDermott, Lorie Nevitt, Shellie Carwright, and Mike Nevitt; 9 grandchildren, David Lumpkin, Cole McDermott (Lulu), Ethan Dold, Emma Dold, Noah Dold, Maddie Dold, Dylan Carwright, Tyler Cartwright; and 2 great grandchildren, Tripp Lumpkin and Beckett Lumpkin.

He was preceded in death by his mother, Ruth (Nevitt) Voyles; grandson, Logan Carwright; and son-in-law, Dan McDermott.

Smokey's memorial service will be held on July 20, at Christ Community Church, 2350 Pride Ave. Dekalb, IL 60115. His visitation will be from 11:00 AM until 12:30 PM. Service is planned from 1:00 PM to 2:00 PM, with a lunch to follow.

In lieu of flowers, memorials can be made to the charity of the donor's choice in Smokey's name, in care of Butala Funeral Homes, 1405 DeKalb Ave., Sycamore, IL 60178.

To sign the online guest book or share a memory, please go to http://www.ButalaFuneralHomes.com