Bill was born on June 6, 1932 in Fremont, Indiana to Virgil and Mildred (Birchman) Wilcox.
He graduated from Orland High School in 1952, and later attended IPFW, and Ivy Tech, in Fort Wayne. Bill also served his country in the US Army during the Korean War.
Growing up Bill was a Boy Scout, and achieved the rank of Eagle Scout, and was awarded the Silver Beaver. He was involved in Sea Scouts in recent years. He was very active in the 4-H program, especially as an adult leader.
Bill married Sharon Hovarter on May 25, 1956 in Angola, Indiana.
He was a photographer and along with his wife Sharon, they owned Wilcox Photography in Steuben County for many years. He also served as circulation manager for the Herald-Republican, Angola, Indiana.
Survivors include his wife, Sharon Wilcox of Angola, Indiana, children, William James Wilcox, II of Fremont, Indiana, Barry Alan (Melissa) Wilcox of Fremont, Indiana, Karin Wilcox of Tulalip, Washington, and Aimee (David) Biddle of Angola, Indiana, grandchildren, Ashlee (Kyle) Hoos, Alexandria Biddle, and Nicholas Biddle, a great-grandson, Carsen Hoos, and a brother-in-law, Dale (Teresa) Hovarter of Oklahoma.
Bill was preceded in death by his parents, and a brother, John Edward Wilcox.
Calling hours will be held from 5-8 pm Wednesday, April 17, 2019 at Beams Funeral Home, Fremont, Indiana.
Funeral Services will be held at 11 am Thursday, April 18, 2019 at Beams Funeral Home, with Pastor Rodger Strong officiating.
Burial will be at Greenlawn Cemetery, Orland, Indiana. Military honors will be conducted by the US Army and Fremont American Legion Cassel Post Color Guard.
Memorial donations in his memory may be directed to the Orland Church of the Nazarene, P.O. Box 116, Orland, IN 46776, Lake James Christian Camp & Retreat Center, 1880 W 275 N, Angola, IN 46703, or to the Boy Scouts of America, Send a Scout to Camp Fund, 8315 West Jefferson Boulevard, Fort Wayne, IN 46804.
