William Odes Wilcoxon Jr., 55 of Champaign formerly of Rantoul died at 7:19 p.m. Thursday, March 6, 2008 at Carle Foundation Hospital, Urbana.

Funeral services will be held at 11:00 a.m. Tuesday, March 11, 2008 at Renner-Wikoff Chapel and Crematory, Urbana. The Rev. Dr. Randy Gauger will officiate. Burial will be in Mt. Olive Cemetery, Mayview. Visitation will be held from 10:00 a.m. - 11:00 a.m. Tuesday at the funeral home.

Mr. Wilcoxon was born on June 23, 1952 in Urbana, the son of William Odes and Mae Hanks Wilcoxon Sr. He married Ruth Ellyn Berg on September 2, 1989 in Urbana, she survives.

Also surviving are his mother of Rantoul, a sister; Gloria Wilcoxon of Rantoul, several cousins, aunts and uncles.

He was preceded in death by his father.

Mr. Wilcoxon graduated from Rantoul High School. He graduated from the University of Illinois with a Bachelor of Music Education, Bachelor of Music and Master of Music degrees.

He taught music in Faith, South Dakota and Gifford, IL. He played in the Parkland Community Orchestra and the Parkland Community Band. He also played in the Mark Foutch Band and the Champaign Brass, along with numerous other groups.

Memorial contributions may be made to the Rantoul High School Band Dept. and the Parkland College Music Dept.

Condolences may be offered at www.renner-wikoffchapel.com.