William (Bill) Earl Slocum, age 83, of Ocala, Florida, died peacefully on the evening of August 9, at Hospice of Marion County, in Ocala, Florida. He was born March 16, 1936 in Waukegan, IL, to the late Wesley and Dorothy Slocum, and was one of three children.
The family settled in Waukegan, IL, where Bill graduated from high school. Upon graduation, Bill enlisted in the United States Army, and served in Korea, before being honorably discharged. He graduated with a Bachelor’s Degree from Rockford College in 1961. Bill married Barbara Bond on September 5, 1959, settled in Roscoe, IL, where they raised three sons. They were blessed to be married for 60 years.
He is preceded in death by eldest son Todd (Keiko); survived by son Tobin (Sherry) of Perrysburg, OH; son Timothy (Nadine) of Roscoe, IL; and six grandchildren, Stephanie Eri Slocum, Amanda (Armani) Basurto, Jennifer Rina Slocum, Matthew (Karlie) Slocum, Laura Slocum and Steven Slocum; and one great grandchild, Ariella Basurto. He is preceded in death by his eldest sister Barbara (Jack) Keefe, and brother, Ron (Marilyn) Slocum.
Bill was an exceptional family man. He enjoyed travelling, theater, watching youth activities and running. Highlights for him were qualifying and running in the Boston Marathon, retirement in Florida, and watching the Cubs and Bears win championships in his lifetime.
In Illinois, he was an active member and President of the Roscoe Lions Club and coached Little League baseball. In Florida, he was an active volunteer in his community for the kitchen club and enjoyed playing Bocce.
A memorial service will be held on Saturday, August 17, 2019 at Roscoe United Methodist Church, 10816 Main St., Roscoe, Illinois 61073. (815) 623-2292. Service begins at 12:30pm and family will be receiving guests from 1130 – 1230 at church beforehand.
Arrangements to be handled by Hiers-Baxley Funeral Services, Ocala, FL.