William R. Lee

William R. "Bill" Lee, 76, of Urbana, formerly Paxton, passed from this life on August 8, 2026 at Carle Foundation Hospital in Urbana. A visitation will be held from 1-4 pm on Sunday, August 16, 2026 at Cox-Knapp Funeral Home, 142 W. Patton Street, Paxton. Bill was born in Urbana, IL on April 27, 1950, the son of Kenneth V. and Mary E. Johnson Lee. He grew up in Paxton with his older brother, Darrell. He is survived by his devoted partner, Cyndi Jensen, of Champaign, his nephews Joe Lee of Paxton and Kenny Lee (Debbie Lamb) of Mahomet, his sister-in-law Kathy Lee of Loda, and his aunt, Donna Johnson Craft, of Tavares, FL. Also surviving are Cyndi's daughters, Christie Jewell (Terry Carnes) and Betsy (Michael) Mellott, and her four grandchildren, Lauren, Rachel, Connor and Logan Mellott. His many cousins and life long friends are also left to mourn his passing. Bill was preceded in death by his parents, Mary and Kenneth Lee, his brother, Darrell Lee and his step-mother, Velma Hileman Lee. Bill attended Paxton schools and was a 1968 graduate of Paxton Community High School. He attained both bachelor's and master's degrees at Illinois State University, Normal and was a long time educator and administrator in the Paxton-Buckley-Loda school district. Following his retirement, he enjoyed staying in contact with former co-workers and students on Facebook. Bill was a man of many and varied interests. Chief among his skills was shooting pool, and he made many friends along the way while participating in multiple pool leagues. He also made custom pool cues for many years. He followed that up with making pipes and attending pipe shows to buy and sell. And he loved a good cigar. He enjoyed music and as an adult took piano, guitar, and banjo lessons. He was interested in guns, hunting and trapping. He participated in historical reenactments using muzzleloaders. Bill loved a good road trip and especially jaunts to New Orleans. He was really good at ferreting out obscure Blues joints located in the middle of nowhere. Most people would say Bill's greatest talent was in his story telling and his inexhaustible supply of jokes. He was a kind and generous man and had a heart for kids and dogs. He loved his family and friends. He will be deeply missed. Memorials may be directed to the Paxton-Buckley-Loda Education Foundation. Condolences may be offered at www.coxknapp.com

William R. Lee

April 27, 1950 - August 8, 2026