William J. Atkins, 80 of Paxton passed away at 7:20 p.m. Wednesday, February 19, 2020 at Carle Foundation Hospital, Urbana.

There will be a Celebration of Life at a later date. Baier Family Funeral Services, Paxton is assisting the family with arrangements.

Bill was born August 20, 1939 in Bloomington the son of Talmage and Margaret Hughes Atkins. He married Diane G. Cole August 23, 1963 in Paxton. She preceded him in death May 14, 2013.

He is survived by five sons, Jim Atkins of Paxton, Ken Atkins of Biloxi, MS, Bill (Tammy) Atkins of Athens, GA, Randy (Christina) Atkins of Paxton, Patrick "P.K." (Lori) Atkins of rural Sibley; one daughter, Jackie (Steve) Neal of Corpus Christi, TX; nine grandchildren; eight great grandchildren; one brother, David (Nancy) Atkins of Bloomington; and one sister, Barbara Donaldson of Danville.

He was preceded in death by his parents; wife, Diane; one brother, Talmage "Tammy" Atkins; and two sisters, Kathy Pickett and Janet Malinowski.

Bill spent his childhood in rural Paxton. He graduated from Armstrong High School in 1957.
He served in the United States Army from September 1958 – August 1961. After Bill completed his basic training at Ft. Leonard Wood, MO he was stationed in Germany where he was a Quartermaster and mechanic.

He worked at Springer Ford and Ray's Interstate Shell in Rantoul before owning and operating Atkins Auto, Paxton for 25 years. Bill was a member of Paxton United Methodist Church, Paxton and the Kaiser Car Club.

He enjoyed restoring antique vehicles, especially Kaisers and Plymouths. Bill was an avid sports fan supporting the Bears, Cubs, and Illini football, basketball and baseball.

Memorials may be made to an organization of the donor's choice. Condolences may be offered at www.baierfuneralservices.com.