William Edward Wilson

WILLIAM EDWARD WILSON, son of the late Gladys Jackson, was born on March 28, 1929 in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania. He peacefully departed this life on August 29, 2013 at St. Agnes Hospital. William, known as “Billy,” “Uncle Billy,” “Bill,” “Pop-Pop,” “Granddad,” “Billjum” and his newest name was “Trouble” (given to him by the staff at Davita Dialysis Center), was one of a kind. He was educated in the schools of Queen Anne County on the Eastern Shore of Maryland. After graduating from Kennard High School in Centreville, he enlisted in the United States Army and served as a firefighter. He was honorably discharged on October 8, 1949. His tour of duty was an assignment in Japan. Billy joined church at an early age. He has held membership in the following churches: Earles Chapel M.E., Mt. Zion A.M.E., New Hope A.M.E. and finally New Shiloh A.M.E. He was a faithful member and served many years as head of the Trustee Board. All of his pastors dearly loved him and he adored them. Billy was rooted in the Lord. Billy met Ethel Shirley Gregg in 1960. She was introduced to him by his cousin, Roseanna who was a college classmate at Bowie. She invited Ethel to spend the weekend at her Aunt Leah’s home in Baltimore. He managed to allure Ethel with his gentleness, charm and excellent sense of humor. They were united in marriage on November 26, 1961 and they’ve spent fifty-one beautiful, happy years together. Billy was committed to his marriage and put his family life first. He spent his lifetime driving trucks. He delivered spices for Harrison Howard. Billy later went into business for himself. He later was employed by Baltimore County in Solid Waste Management and after retirement, Billy worked for Gerber Trucking Company. He loved socializing with his working friends. After working for Gerber, his health began to deteriorate rapidly. He had to seek the assistance of many physicians. To know Billy was to love him. He loved to talk and make you laugh. Billy stayed upbeat. You never saw him unpleasant and he was the biggest teaser and jokester of all times. All loved him — the kids, teenagers, young adults, older aunts, his doctors and nurses, pastors, just everybody. He touched the lives of so many people. Billy was full of love and he shared this love with all who crossed his path. Grandsons, Nathan and Devin were blessed to receive his love. Billy helped to raise them. They did whatever they could to take care of Pop-Pop. Billy, God knew your road was getting rough and the hills were getting harder to climb, so He took you home with Him where there will be NO MORE insulin shots, taking many pills, visits to many doctors or getting in the hyperbaric chamber, going for dialysis three days a week, no more hospital and nursing home stays or amputations and taking strong pain medicines. You fought a good fight, you’ve finished the race, you kept the faith and now you can receive your crown of righteousness which God promised to you. Billy leaves to cherish his memory: his devoted wife, Ethel; six children, George, William, Claudette, Cynthia, Reginald and Tana; his cousins, Etta Mae, Lucille and Roseanna; four sisters-in-law, Corinne, Mary Esther, Elaine and Flora; brother-in-law, Verdel; many grandchildren and great- grandchildren; and a host of other relatives and friends.

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William Edward Wilson

March 28, 1929 - August 29, 2013