Cecil Ray Wilkinson

Champaign - Cecil Ray Wilkinson, 78, passed away on Wednesday May 17, 2017 at Carle Foundation Hospital in Urbana, IL. He was born on March 4, 1939 in Friendsville, IL to Robert and Cova (Goodson) Wilkinson. Cecil married Janet Rae Lindstrom on December 26, 1964 in Mount Carmel, IL. Cecil is survived by his wife; children Martha Wilkinson and Jeff Wilkinson; granddaughter Karen Wilkinson; siblings Tom (Norma Sisson) Wilkinson, Ron (Sue) Wilkinson, and Connie (Doyle) Bradley; several nieces and nephews; sisters-in-law Mary Wilkinson, Marsha Wilkinson, and Harriett Lindstrom; his cat Hijinks; and grandkitties Vinnie, Venus, and Vixen. Cecil was preceded in death by his parents; brothers John and Bill; and niece Stacey Meidel. Cecil was in the first graduation class at Wabash community college, and he was the first member of his family to earn a bachelor's degree. He served in the United States Army following the Korean War. Cecil was stationed in Alaska on the first day it became a state and served in South Korea where Spam was a favorite dish. Cecil became a recovering Republican following the Reagan administration. He served as president for the CCAMR and was a loyal member of AFSCME. A memorial visitation will be held from 5:30pm-7:30pm on Monday May 22, 2017 at Sunset Funeral Home, 710 N. Neil St. Champaign, IL 61820. A celebration of Cecil's life will be held at 10:30am on Tuesday May 23, 2017 at University Place Christian Church, 403 S. Wright St. Champaign, IL 61820. Pastor Kris Light will officiate. Luncheon will be held at the church following service. Private committal will be held at Grandview Memorial Gardens. Memorial donations may be made in Cecil's name to Courage Connection or Daily Bread Soup Kitchen. Please join his family in sharing memories, photos, and videos on his tribute wall at www.sunsetfuneralhome.com.

Visitation May 22, 2017 Monday, 5:30 PM - 7:30 PM Sunset Funeral Home & Cremation Center Champaign-Urbana Chapel 710 N. Neil Street Champaign, IL 61820 Service May 23, 2017 Tuesday, 10:30 AM University Place Christian Church E Stoughton St Champaign, Illinois 61820 Final Resting Place Grandview Memorial Gardens 4112 W. Bloomington Rd Champaign, IL US