William Joel Wilson

William Joel Wilson, dedicated husband, father, and grandfather, passed away on Thursday, March 16, 2023. While he’d recently been diagnosed with Alzheimer’s, Joel passed unexpectedly at his home due to complications from abdominal surgery.

Joel was born in Marietta, GA, on September 12, 1951. He graduated from Marietta High School in 1969. He treasured and reminisced about growing up in the town and often pointed out structural foundations he constructed in his first job as a brick mason. In his early 20’s, Joel began a 40+ year career in insurance. He met his wife, Janice, at American Hardware Insurance. He worked for several large companies during his underwriting career and opened the Joel Wilson Agency through Cotton States/Country Insurance in 2006. He retired in 2015.

Joel and Janice married March 1, 1975. They welcomed their first daughter, Angela, in 1977. They became a family of four following the birth of Melissa in 1980. They raised the girls in Cobb County, moving over the years from Marietta to Powder Springs to Kennesaw.

While his girls enjoyed watching their dad play recreational softball, they’d grow to enjoy learning from him as their coach. Joel coached both girls at West Cobb Girls Softball and coached Melissa in basketball. He was a fixture at the ballpark and served on the organization’s board. He enjoyed nothing more than spending time with his family.

Being a Paw-paw came naturally to Joel. His grandchildren loved hearing him read and taking rides in the car. He cared for the oldest two until they entered school and never missed an opportunity to spoil them. With no sons to carry his name, Joel’s first grandson became his namesake and carries on his legacy of commitment to his family.

Joel was preceded in death by his mother, Sarah, brother John, and beloved wife of 46 years, Janice. He is survived by daughters Angela and Melissa, son-in-law Matthew, and grandchildren, Wilson (7), Tegan (5), and Britton (2). He is also survived by many aunts, uncles, cousins, nieces, nephews, and in-laws. The family will receive visitors at Marietta’s Carmichael Funeral Home on Sunday, March 19, from 1-3 PM. A memorial follows at 3 PM. In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to the Alzheimer’s Association.

Fond memories and expressions of sympathy may be shared at www.kennesawmemorialpark.com for the Wilson family.