William M. (Bill) Wilson, 97, of San Angelo, passed away on May 20, 2022. He was born at home in Carlisle County, Kentucky on February 5, 1925; the fifth child of Oscar Jewell Evans and Eva Lou Evans Wilson. His mom died when he was 3. His step-mom, Velma Hayden Wilson added three more children, for a total of eight.
Bill worked on the family farm all of his school years. He attended Milburn Grade School and Milburn High School where he played basketball, even making it to the state championship.
With World War II on the horizon, Bill enlisted in the Army with some of his buddies in 1942 at the age of 19. He was assigned to the 87th Calvary Reconnaissance Squadron of the 7th Armored Division. He was very active on the front lines in Italy, Germany, France, Russia and Holland until the war ended.
Bill headed to Wink, Texas in 1946 where he saw Sally Evans walking beside the road and gave her a lift. The two fell in love and married in 1947 at the ripe old ages of 21 and 16! Bill worked odd jobs until taking a job with Chevron Oil Company.
His job with Chevron started at Wink, TX but transferred him all over Texas. During those times, four children were born to make a family. His first-born Bobby, tragically died of cancer at the age of 25 months. Bill and Sally were very proud of the remaining children, Julia, Jim and Sandy.
Bill finished his Chevron career in El Paso, TX after 30 years. In 1990, Bill and Sally moved to San Angelo, TX, where they joined Southland Baptist Church and remained until death. Bill had a nice lead voice and Sally taught herself piano so she could accompany him. As children, there were many times where we would all gather at someone’s home to sing and enjoy each other’s company.
Bill maintained his faithfulness in church and Southland Singers. In Bill’s last few months, his body began to fail. After 97 years, I think that is God’s way of letting us know it was time to come home.
Bill is preceded in death by his soulmate, Sally, who left this earth in August 2019 after almost 72 years of marriage. He is also preceded in death by his mother and father, Eva Lou and Oscar Jewell Wilson; his son, Bobby, and 8 siblings.
He is survived by children, Julia (and Jim) Eggleston, Jim (and Jane) Wilson, Sandy (and Bobby) Chance. He was awfully proud to have 4 grandchildren, 9 great grandchildren, and 1 great-great grandchild.
A Celebration of Bill’s life will be held Saturday, May 28 at 5:00 pm at Southland Baptist Church.
In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to Water For All at Southland Baptist Church, 4300 Meadowcreek Trail, San Angelo, TX 76904. This ministry teaches poor rural families to drill their own low-cost water-wells in third world countries, while sharing the word of Christ.
Family and friends may sign the online register book at www.Johnsons-FuneralHome.com.
