William Edward Wilson

Our loving father and grandfather, William Wilson, age 86, went to be with his Lord and Savior Friday, March 15, 2019 surrounded by his family.

Bill was born July 1, 1932 in Alta Loma, California to Francis and Flora (Tibbetts) Wilson. He was one of three children. He graduated from Chaffee Union High School and Sawyer School of Business.

Bill enlisted in the United States Air Force November 21, 1950 and was honorably discharged November 20, 1954. While serving in the Air Force he received a Good Conduct Medal and National Defense Service Medal along with several letters of Commendation and Airmen of the Month. While he was stationed at the Hamilton Air Force Base in 1953, he met the love of his life Bernice E. Miller. They were married April 16, 1955 in Cucamonga California. They had six children. Bill moved his family to Billings, Montana in 1974.

Bill was employed by Gerber baby products from 1957 to 1995. He received numerous awards and letters recognizing his hard work and dedicated achievements always meeting the goals presented to him and always going above and beyond for a company that he enjoyed. While never really retiring Bill continued to work until April 2017 as a driver for Enterprise Rental Car Company.

Bill was an active member in his church for over 50 years and held several different positions. He was a member of Gideons International, the VFW and the American Legion. If you ever saw a Bible in the drawer at a motel it was probably Bill that put it there. He also enjoyed passing out Bibles at the local schools.

Bill was a loving and caring friend and father. There isn’t anything he wouldn’t do for anyone and he never spoke negatively of anybody. He always made you feel like you were his favorite. We’d walk into the room and say “you’re looking good today Dad” and he would always reply “not as good as you” He would say it to everyone. He was truly a people person.

He had a passion for his family always going to as many football and baseball games and wrestling meets as possible. He was unable to travel to the cheerleading competitions but always enjoyed watching the videos when we would bring them back to him. Bill enjoyed hunting, fishing and golf.

Bill was preceded in death by his loving wife and best friend Bernice, his father Francis, mother Flora, brother Chuck, sister Marilyn, grandchildren Misty and Billy and son Ralph.

He is survived by his children Dale, Kathy, Debbie (Ed), Cheryl, Denise (Steve) grandchildren Bill, Rodney, JR(Denise), Joe (Kris), Jessica (Theo), Billy Jack (Darla), Shawn (Ericka) and Tabatha (Mike), 25 great grandchildren, 9 great-great grandchildren, extended family and not only family but lifelong friends Denny and Rick.

Funeral services will be held at Smith West Funeral Chapel, 304 34th St. West, Saturday, March 23, 2019 at 1:00 p.m. Interment with full military honors will follow in Terrace Gardens Cemetery next to Bernice. Visitation will be held from 1-7:00 p.m. at Smith West Chapel on Friday, March 22, 2019. Condolences for the family may be shared at smithfuneralchapels.com.