Longtime GOP Rep. Bill Black Passes Away
Former Rep. Bill Black (left), with his two successors, Rep. Mike Marron (R-Fithian) and former Rep. Chad Hays when Marron was sworn into the House in 2018. Black died Saturday at 81.
NOTE: This story was originally posted for subscribers only. To receive subscriber-only newsletters and content, click here.
Longtime east-Central Illinois Rep. Bill Black passed away Saturday . 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.
Prior to his election to the House, he was Chair of the Vermilion County Board and an administrator at Danville Area Community College.
He remained active in politics after his time in Springfield, serving on the Danville City Council, Danville Area Community College Board of Trustees, 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.
