William Clair Wilson

William Clair Wilson, known as “Bill” to friends and “Clair” to family, passed away on July 21, 2017 with his loving family at his side. He is survived by his beloved wife of 56 years, Jeanne; son, Kevin, and his wife, Ann-Marie, of Westwood, MA; daughter, Amy, of Jessup, MD; grandchildren Sommer, Noah, and Liam; and, an immeasurable number of friends and admirers. He was preceded in death by his parents, Edgar and Burtice Wilson, sister, Helen Johnston, and brother, Robert (“Top”) Wilson.

Born on June 22, 1939 in West Decatur, Pennsylvania, he graduated with a Bachelor of Science degree in Electrical Engineering from Virginia Polytechnic Institute and State University and a Master of Science degree in Mass Transportation from the University of California at Berkeley. He went on to a 30-year career with the Federal Aviation Administration, during which he developed one of the earliest terrain awareness and warning systems to warn pilots about obstacles during landing. He founded Columbia Air Temp, a local heating and air conditioning company. Throughout his life, he instilled the value and importance of education in his children and grandchildren.

Blessed with a wonderful sense of humor and boundless energy, he was fun to be around and others gravitated toward him. He earned his Captain’s license and loved to fish and crab in the Chesapeake Bay, routinely giving his catch away to family and friends. He also loved to bake and give away homemade pies, much to the delight of others. Honest, neighborly, and kind-hearted, he remained active and independent until his death. His family’s love for him is never ending; he will be loved and missed forever.