William "Bill" Conklin, 65, of Jacksonville, IL, died Tuesday, April 2, 2024, at Springfield Memorial Medical Center.

He was born Nov. 11, 1958, in Madison, WI, the son of Edward and Donna (Crandall) Conklin. After Donna's passing in 1966, Ed married Mary (Gordon) Conklin in 1968 and she survives. Bill was preceded in death by his father and mother. He was also preceded in death by Beth's parents, Bud and Mary Longanecker.

On September 27th, 1980, Bill married Beth (Longanecker) Conklin of Rockford, IL. Beth now resides in Jacksonville, IL and she survives. Those that knew Bill and Beth as a couple knew how special they were to one another and how incredibly strong their love was for each other. Married for 43 years, they were an amazing example of strength, love, compassion, and devotion to not only each other, but to all the people in their lives.

Bill is also survived by his children, Drew (wife, Kassie) Conklin and Bailey (husband, Robert) Brammeier, all of Jacksonville. He was "Mumuck" to his grandchildren, Emerson, Elliott, Lucy, Emmett, Brooklyn, and James (wife, Cydnie), all of Jacksonville. Also surviving are Bill's siblings, Jim (wife, Tricia) Conklin of New York, Don (wife, Bonnie) Conklin of Ohio, Kathi (husband, Rich) Phillips of Washington State, Eric (Kim Hum) Conklin of Hawaii, and Michelle Conklin of Hawaii, as well as Bill's best friend Dave "Monty" (wife, Cathy) Ward of Illinois.

Bill graduated from Auburn High School in Rockford in 1977. He began working in sales for Royal Crown Cola in Rockford in 1979 before eventually moving to Jacksonville and remaining with Royal Crown Cola until 2005. To many, Bill was fondly known as "The RC Man" even long after he left Royal Crown Cola. Most recently, Bill was employed by Crossroads Truck Equipment, traveling throughout West Central Illinois. The mark Bill left on all the accounts he called on throughout his career was immeasurable.

Bill was truly the epitome of a people person and never knew a stranger. He put others' needs ahead of his own and whenever there was a meal served, he was the first to hand out a plate, and was the last to fill his own. Bill had a passion for duck hunting, camping, and bucket sittin', while solving all the worlds' troubles. Bill was quick to offer to fix anything for anyone and had a knack for always building something better, all while doing it with a smile. He was the life of every party or gathering and was quick to offer anyone a beer, bourbon, or daiquiri. He always made anyone he was around feel like family and whether you walked away with a can of RC on Halloween or just shared a laugh with him you knew he was a special person.

The simple things in life made Bill happy. His favorite days and moments were measured by how many shoes were on his landing. With a full house of friends and family, Bill had a full heart.

The family will meet friends & family from 1:00 pm to 3:00 pm Saturday, April 13, 2024, at the Buchanan & Cody Funeral Home in Jacksonville. A Celebration of Life will be held at a later date. Memorial gifts are suggested to Pike County Ducks Unlimited Greenwings. Condolences may be sent online at buchanancody.com.