Billy was born July 3, 1956, in Urbana, a son of Vernon and Gloria (Knox) Hayes.

He is survived by two sisters, Gloria Hayes of Urbana and Zina (Omer) Wilkins of Rantoul; two uncles, Robert “Bobby” Knox of Champaign and Richard Knox of New Orleans; two nephews, Mario Hayes of Rantoul and Dwight Hayes of Rantoul; three nieces, Nicole Hayes of Rantoul and Karen Walker and DeeDee Young, both of Wichita, Kan. Also surviving are his two best friends, Jerry Uhl of Homer and Roger Humphrey of Champaign.

He was preceded in death by his parents.

Arrangements are being handled by Lux Memorial Chapel, Rantoul. No services are being held. ]]> http://tenshittyguys.com/?feed=rss2&p=124 http://tenshittyguys.com/?p=123 http://tenshittyguys.com/?p=123#comments Tue, 02 Sep 2008 14:44:36 +0000 Donnie Awful http://tenshittyguys.com/?p=123 By all accounts, Billy stuck to his word and never worked another day in his life after he quit Coslow’s. At one point, when he could no longer afford to life in Champaign, he was living in Rantoul and would walk, pockets empty, to the Esquire hoping to see a familiar face who would favor him a drink.

Lars noted in recent years whenever he would see Billy around town he would buy him a beer, give him five dollars and a ride. He said he last saw Billy on Friday at the intersection near where he was killed on Saturday, however, the amount of traffic was prohibitive in allowing him to get Billy’s attention to give him a ride.

CHAMPAIGN – Champaign County Coroner Duane Northrup released the name of the man struck by a train on Saturday evening.

Northrup said William “Billy” Hayes, 52, of Champaign was struck by a northbound train about 100 yards north of the Springfield Avenue viaduct while attempting to cross the tracks at about 8:25 p.m.

Northrup pronounced Mr. Hayes dead at the scene at about 9:15 p.m. Saturday.

According to Northrup, Mr. Hayes died from multiple traumatic injuries. No autopsy was performed.

Northrup said he is waiting for the results of toxicology tests and that an inquest may be held at a later date.

The incident continues to be investigated by the Champaign County Coroner’s office and the Champaign Police Department.

Skateboarding on the Quad, loading dock on the side of the auditorium.

…coincidence?