William Robert Mansell

William Robert Mansell, 77, of Summerfield, Florida (formerly of Centralia, Illinois) passed away on Wednesday, October 23, 2019 in La Jolla, California at the Jacobs Medical Center of the University California San Diego. Bill was born in Carbondale, Illinois the son of Othel and LouRene Mansell.

Bill earned a bachelor’s degree in finance from the University of Illinois, having attended with a full Navy ROTC scholarship. He then served with distinction in the Vietnam War, where he earned numerous awards and was promoted to the rank of lieutenant. Following his military service, Bill returned to Centralia where he started Mansell CPA, a small accounting business which he ran for 25 years and grew into a thriving success. Bill loved his work and showed it through his attention to detail and exceptional work ethic. He took pride in the fact that his clients were also his friends. Bill sold his business and retired in 2001 to pursue his lifelong dream of traveling abroad, learning about other cultures, and helping his neighbors.

Throughout his life, Bill was an active leader in his community. He proudly served on the Centralia High School Board for twelve years as a board member and one term as the board president. He also served on the board of Community Trust Bank. He was a member of the Centralia Elks, VFW and American Legion.

He is survived by his wife, Mary Jo, of 54 years; daughter, Sara Knaggs and her husband Andrew of Virginia; son, Phil and his wife, Holly of Illinois; five grandchildren, Wesley and Claire Knaggs of Virginia; Michelle (Boswell) Davis of Illinois, Elizabeth and Zachary Mansell of Illinois; great-grandchildren Bryson and Benson Davis of Illinois; and several nieces, nephews, cousins, and friends.

He will be buried at the Florida National Cemetery in Bushnell, Florida.