Larry Hayes "Willie" Wilcox, 74, of Springfield, lL, passed away on December 11, 2023, at the Villas of Sherman. He was born in Springfield, IL February 9, 1949 the son Warren and Doris (Hayes) Wilcox. He grew up in Palmer, IL, where he was a member of the Advent Christian Church.
He attended Palmer and Morrisonville Schools, participating in basketball, baseball, and track. He graduated from Morrisonville High School with the Class of 1967. He married Ruth Kathryn Ferrill on June 7th, 1968 and they later divorced.
Larry attended Lincoln Land Community College and Sangamon State University, earning a Bachelor of Arts in History in May 1972, with the first graduating class of Sangamon State University. Later, he went on to earn a Master of Arts in Accountancy in December 1995 from the University of Illinois-Springfield. He was a Certified Public Accountant, and a Certified Internal Auditor.
He proudly served his country in the Illinois Air National Guard-Air Force, 183rd Fighter Wing, for over thirty years and retired at the rank of Chief Master Sergeant. He was awarded the Meritorious Service Medal. He also worked as a civilian in the position of Internal Auditor for the Illinois Army National Guard. Larry went on to work at the National Bank of Hillsboro, the Illinois Department of Transportation, and the Illinois Commerce Commission, as a Certified Internal Auditor at all locations.
Larry was an avid sports fan and rarely missed a St. Louis Cardinals or Fighting Illini basketball game. He loved going to the ballpark with his family and friends. A highlight for him was seeing the Cardinals clench the World Series in 2006 at Busch Stadium. He attended the 1996 Summer Olympics in Atlanta, Georgia, and the 2000 Summer Olympics in Sydney, Australia.
He played slow pitch softball and enjoyed league bowling for many years.
He loved rock & roll music and enjoyed playing the bass guitar. He was in two bands, "The Sultans" in high school, and later in life, the "Traxx" band.
Larry played bridge throughout his life. He was a member of the American Contract Bridge League and achieved the level of gold life master.
He was a member of the Morrisonville American Legion Leslie-Reddick Post 721 and volunteered to march in many parades, and assist with military funerals. He was also a member of the Illinois CPA Society.. Larry was a blood donor and donated many gallons throughout his life.
Larry was very proud of his grandchildren and loved spending time with them. He was rarely seen without his "Illini Grandpa" hat and wore it with pride.
He will be greatly missed by his daughter, Christy (Clayton) Bloome of Pawnee; grandchildren Jake (Rachel Dougherty) Bloome of Springfield, and Rebecca (Dustin Craig) Bloome of Pawnee; great granddaughter Amelia Bloome of Springfield; brother Bruce (Donna) Wilcox of Palmer; nieces Bobbie (Hank) Harker of Palmer and Laura (Andrew) Ahrens of St. Louis, MO; great nephews and niece Hayden, Brody, and Elayna Harker of Palmer.
Larry was preceded in death by his parents, maternal grandparents Lee and Gladys Hayes, paternal grandparents Orval and Rena Wilcox.
A memorial gathering will be held at Bisch Funeral Home West, 2931 Koke Mill Road, Springfield, IL on Thursday, December 21, 2023, from 10-11:30am. A memorial service will follow at 11:30am with Pastor Jim Ferrill officiating. Graveside services will be held at 1pm at Camp Butler National Cemetery with military honors provided by the Inter-Veterans Burial Detail of Sangamon County.
In lieu of flowers, those who wish may make memorial contributions to the Morrisonville American Legion Leslie-Reddick Post 721, 607 Ricks St, Morrisonville, IL 62546 or the charity of choice.
Please visit the online "Life Remembered Story" at www.bischfuneralhomewest.com where tributes and condolences may be left for the family.
Arrangements are in care of Bisch Funeral Home West 217-544-5424.
