BREAKING: Longtime Rep. Bill Black dies at 81

BLACK PASSES AWAY

We just received word that longtime east-Central Illinois Rep. Bill Black passed away today. He was 81.

The Danville stalwart served in the House from 1986-2010, making a name for his policy chops, friendly disposition, and occasional fiery speech on the floor of the Illinois House, often directly targeting then-Speaker Michael Madigan.

He remained active in politics after his time in Springfield, serving on the Danville City Council and assisting in some local political campaigns.

“Bill was a legend,” said Rep. Mike Marron (R-Fithian), who currently holds Black’s old seat. “To this day, every time I'm in Springfield I hear stories about what Bill accomplished. He was a hero to Danville and Vermilion County because we always knew he was there fighting for us. We are all going to miss him.”

Tributes to Black were bipartisan.

“Bill was a loud partisan on the House floor, but when he left [the floor], we worked very closely together to support Vermilion County,” said State Treasurer Mike Frerichs, who spent four years serving with Black. “He was a mentor and a friend, and I am deeply saddened by this news.”

He is survived by his wife, Sharon, and two children.

Personally, I met Bill in the 90’s when he represented a portion of Iroquois County. His legislative office was actually next door to the law office my grandmother worked at. After I started as a reporter in Champaign in 2005, we sat for dozens and dozens of interviews. He also chaired the campaign of a candidate I worked for in 2020. He was just the best guy. He will be missed.