William Adams

William “Bill” Adams was born, October 23, 1946 in Springfield, IL to Robert Eugene Adams and Elizabeth Coleman Adams.

He spent most of his youth growing up in Chicago, IL before moving to Peoria, IL and attending Bradley University. He was then drafted into the US Army to serve in Vietnam.

During Vietnam, Bill was assigned to the 1st Air Cav Division where he served as a door-gunner on a helicopter, and later as forward Infantry. He served his country proudly and bravely.

Upon retiring from the army, he married the love of his life, and wife of 51 years, Wilma “Sissy” Adams and began his professional career as a salesman. Throughout his career, Bill remained a leader in sales in the auto parts industry. He ended his career as a National Account Manager for Carquest Auto Parts in 2008.

Anyone who met Bill was a better person for it. He was a beloved husband, a wonderful father, and an adored grandpa. He never hesitated to go out of his way for his family, and left them with many wonderful memories that they will cherish always. He spent many years of his life on the water boating, as well as, enjoying time away with his son, brothers, and cousins on snow ski trips.

Bill passed away at his home on June 8, 2022, in the loving arms of his wife.

Bill is survived by his mother, Elizabeth Adams-Taylor, his wife Wilma “Sissy” Adams, his son Mike (Amanda) Adams, his 2 daughters; Julie (Jason) Brice and Amy (Dan) Winters-Sakowicz, and his 5 grandchildren; Analia Winters, Ellah Adams, Keagan Adams, Jaxon Brice, and Jakob Brice, as well as, his 3 brothers; Bob (Rosanne) Adams, Jim (Denise) Adams, and Don (Mary) Adams, and his sister Mary Lou (Ken) Smith.

In lieu of flowers, the family requests donations be made to St. Jude Children’s Hospital in his honor.  To make a tribute, please go to https://www.stjude.org/donate/ and donate in Memory of William B. Adams.