SR0388 104TH GENERAL ASSEMBLY

SR0388 LRB104 14473 LAW 27612 r

SENATE RESOLUTION

WHEREAS, The members of the Illinois Senate are saddened to learn of the death of William A. "Bill" Hickerson of Springfield, who passed away on July 7, 2025; and

WHEREAS, Bill Hickerson, the son of Dr. Robert Hickerson Sr. and Mary Jean Hickerson, was born in Burlington, Iowa on November 6, 1940; he and his family later settled in Galesburg, Illinois; during his early education, he attended the Illinois School for the Visually Impaired in Jacksonville; he proceeded to attend Southern Illinois University Carbondale and Sangamon State University in Springfield, where he earned a Bachelor of Arts in Sociology; he married Donna Conway Miller in 1992, and she later preceded him in death in 2018; and

WHEREAS, Bill Hickerson, better known by the moniker "Dr. Swing", shared his love and vast knowledge of music across the radio airways for over 40 years; his programs included Jazz Tonight and Mulligan Stew on WSSR FM Sangamon State University and University of Illinois, The Bill Hickerson Show on WVEM FM, Strike Up the Band on WTAX AM, Swing that Music on WQNA FM, and Swing that Music, which streamed live from Studio H at his home; he was involved with the Central Illinois Jazz Society and was fortunate to have interviewed many recording artists through the years, including Count Basie, Tony Bennett, Steve Allen, Dizzy Gillespie, Mel Torme, Dave Brubek, Doc Severinsen, and Tiny Tim; and

WHEREAS, Bill Hickerson was the consummate entertainer, often hosting robust live and recorded music parties with his wife and, most recently, in his home; as a gifted pianist, he was often hired for parties and receptions and also found great joy in sharing his talents as a volunteer, playing for local senior homes and at the Illinois State Fair; he was also skilled in delivering one-liners, limericks, and jokes, and he never missed an opportunity to sing his original song, "Hominy Grits"; and

WHEREAS, Bill Hickerson loved golfing, playing cards and pool, bicycling, bowling, boating, and fishing; he especially loved spending time with his two great-grandchildren; and

WHEREAS, Bill Hickerson was a truly remarkable man who was admired and respected by all; and

WHEREAS, Bill Hickerson is survived by his best friend, Lucy; his daughters, Becky Jane (Jim) Schlouch and Pauline Miller; three grandchildren; two great-grandchildren; his siblings, Dr. Robert Hickerson Jr. and Patricia Kunz; and several nieces and nephews; therefore, be it

RESOLVED, BY THE SENATE OF THE ONE HUNDRED FOURTH GENERAL ASSEMBLY OF THE STATE OF ILLINOIS, that we mourn the passing of William A. "Bill" Hickerson and extend our sincere condolences to his family, friends, and all who knew and loved him; and be it further

RESOLVED, That a suitable copy of this resolution be presented to the family of Bill Hickerson as an expression of our deepest sympathy.