William "Bill" Lewis Knell, 83, of Urbana passed away at 11:38 a.m., Friday, December 15, 2017 at Champaign County Nursing Home.

Mr. Knell was born October 23, 1934 at his family home in Dewey, Illinois to parents Samuel and Leona (Bresee) Knell. He married Wanda Taylor (who he called "Little One") October 23, 2013; she survives. Other survivors include one sister, Shirley Mae Cardwell, and sisters-in-law, Mary Deason and Cleo Knell-Murray. He was preceded in death by his parents, three brothers, and two sisters. Bill was a man of many talents, including, janitorial work, security, farming, and showing angus cattle. He especially loved working as a janitor for WEFT radio in Champaign, where he worked until a fall prevented his return to work.

Bill was an easy-going man who, when going through a rough patch, would always say, "Don't you worry about K-Nelly. Mother Nature will take care of me." He was known as the honorary Mayor of Dewey by the staff of Champaign County Nursing Home.

To benefit the family, memorial contributions may be made to Renner-Wikoff Chapel and Crematory to help pay for Bill's cremation. Condolences may be offered online at www.renner-wikoffchapel.com.