Obituary published on Legacy.com by St. John's Family Funeral Home & Crematory on Mar. 16, 2026.
In Loving Memory of
William A. Wilson ("Uncle Bill")
February 24, 1956 - March 12, 2026
William A. Wilson ("Uncle Bill"), 70, of
Ridgeway, Virginia, and
Palm Coast, Florida, passed away on March 12, 2026. He was a proud citizen of the Cherokee Nation. Born and raised in Virginia, Bill built a life full of laughter, friendship, and unwavering devotion to his family.
Bill earned his degree in Business Administration and Management from the University of North Carolina at Greensboro, a point of great pride-especially for a lifelong Tar Heel who never missed a chance to cheer on UNC (much to Amy, TJ, and Trav's goodnatured dismay). He went on to enjoy a long and successful career as a Supply Chain Consultant, eventually retiring to spend more time doing what he loved most.
Bill was predeceased by his parents, John Raymond Wilson, Sr. and Lorraine Smith Wilson, as well as his brother, John Raymond Wilson, Jr. He is survived by his brothers Jim Wilson (Pam) of Clayton, North Carolina, Tommy Wilson (Sherry) of
Ridgeway, Virginia, and his sister Susie Pontiff Stringer (Terry) of
St. Augustine, Florida. He also leaves behind eight nieces and nephews, eleven greatnieces and nephews, and one greatgrandnephew, all of whom adored him.
Those who loved Bill will remember his warmth, humor, and remarkable ability to connect with absolutely anyone. He never met a stranger, always greeting the world with a smile, a story, or more often than not, a joke. Holidays were an adventure with Bill; no one ever knew what they might find inside a wrapped box. It could be a can of soup. It could be pudding. It could be exactly half a jar of peanuts. But whatever it was, it came with love and a mischievous grin.
Bill loved the beach more than almost anything. He went as often as he could, finding joy in the sun, the breeze, and the endless rhythm of the waves. He shared a particularly special bond with his greatnephew, Barton. Together they spent countless hours in the ocean and by the pool, talking about topics that no one else will ever fully understand – secret conversations that belonged only to them.
He was also the family's unofficial weatherman and newscaster, texting daily forecasts and updates about news, or Shark Week, to everyone he loved. In his own unique way, he kept the family connected, informed, and laughing. Whether strolling through crowded downtown St. Augustine or simply gathering with loved ones, Bill had a gift for shouting something unexpected and hilarious, often turning heads and sparking contagious laughter. He brought light to ordinary moments and closeness to every family gathering.
We are forever grateful for the time we had with him, for the laughter he gave us, and for the love he shared so freely. His presence will be deeply missed, but his humor, spirit, and heart will live on in all who knew him. From Barton and the entire family – Ring the Bell, Bill!
Services will be private. In lieu of flowers, the family asks that donations be made to St. Augustine Alligator Farm, in honor of Bill's favorite animal.