William R. France

William R. France, 72 of Taylorville, IL, passed away on August 10, 2023, at Springfield Memorial Hospital. William “Bill” was born the oldest of seven children to William Robert France and Barbara Irene Johnson on February 23, 1951, in Beardstown, IL.

Bill was in the National Honor Society and graduated in the top 10 of the Taylorville High School Class of 1969. Bill earned an Illinois State Scholarship and attended Western Illinois University where he studied Computer Science for four years. During college summers, Bill worked on electrical line crews and discovered a love for working outdoors. As a result, Bill altered his career path and became a third-generation lineman. Over his 40 years of line work, Bill was employed by N.G. Gilbert, L.E. Myers, and CIPS. He enjoyed being a line crew foreman and could tell stories about powerlines throughout Illinois.

Bill was an avid bicyclist, adventuring across many states with treasured friends, “The Wild Hogs.” In retirement, Bill appreciated trips across the country on his Honda Goldwing. Spending time with family and friends was always a top priority.

Bill will be forever cherished and missed by his daughter, Stacie France (Scott Bloom) of Bloomington, IL; grandson, Charles W. Rada of Bloomington, IL; siblings, Michael (Janet) France of Wanesville, MO, Stephanie (John) O’Bryan of Taylorville, IL, Lisa Moses (Jim Jones) of Taylorville, IL, Robert France (John Madera) of Norwalk, CT; stepfather, Robert McKinnon of Taylorville, IL; sister-in-law, Terri France of Taylorville, IL, brother-in-law, Randy Swiney; step-siblings, Marsha (Paul) Martynowski of Taylorville, Donna Miller of Edinburg, Robert McKinnon of Riverton, as well as many nieces, nephews, great nieces, great nephews, and dear friends.

Bill was preceded in death by his parents, brother, Randy France, and his sister, Laura Swiney.

A visitation will be held on Monday, August 14, 2023, from 3:00-6:00 p.m. at Sutton Memorial Home in Taylorville. Funeral service will begin at 6:00 p.m. with Honorable Judge Ron Spears officiating. Inurnment will be held at a later date.

In lieu of flowers, memorials in Bill’s honor may be made to the Christian County Senior Citizen’s Center.