George Wilson Jr.

Known to all as Dr. Bill

PEORIA - Dr. George William "Bill" Wilson Jr., 85, of Peoria, Ill., and formerly of Owensboro, Ky., died Sunday, May 16, 2010, in Peoria, Ill.

He was born in Daviess Co, Ky., to the late George William and Ruth Moorman Wilson on March 16, 1925. He graduated from Owensboro High School in 1943 before enlisting in the U.S. Army and serving in the European Theatre during World War II from 1943 to 1947, earning two Bronze Stars and attaining the rank of staff sergeant.

After his military service, he completed studies at Western Kentucky University and graduated from the University of Louisville School of Dentistry in 1953. Upon graduation, he returned to Owensboro and practiced general dentistry for 42 years.

Dr. Wilson was involved in many civic and professional organizations, including serving as past president of Wendell Foster Center, Green River Dental Society and the L.D. Pankey Study Club of Kentucky. He was an active member of the Kentucky and American Dental Associations and a lifelong member of First Baptist Church in Owensboro, Ky.

Bill was married to Elizabeth Jane Wilson for nearly 50 years. She preceded him in death in 1998. He is survived by his current wife of 11 years, Marion Covington Wilson of Peoria, Ill.

In addition to his parents, he was preceded in death by a brother, Robert E. Wilson of Houston, Texas, and a sister, Alice Wilson McCulloch of San Antonio, Texas.

He is survived by a son, Dr. David William Wilson and wife, Sharon; and two daughters, Marijane Wilson Salmon and husband, Michael, and Sara Wilson Dukes, all of Owensboro. He is also survived by two stepchildren, Allen Covington and Ronalee Covington Feinholz, both of Peoria, Ill. Additionally, Bill is survived by six grandchildren, Jennifer Dukes Jarvis and husband, William, of New York, N.Y.; Adam Franklin Dukes of St. Louis, Mo.; Lauren Salmon Bell and husband, Gatewood; Steven William Salmon; and Elizabeth Anne Wilson, all of Lexington, Ky.; and Rebecca Lee Wilson of Washington, D.C . He is also survived by four stepgrandchildren, Drew Feinholz of Peoria, Ill.; Allison Paul and husband, Barry; Amber Welch, all of Germantown, Ill.; and Jason Covington of Dallas, Texas; as well as two stepgreat-grandchildren.

A memorial service will be held at 11 a.m. Wednesday, May 19, 2010, at Redeemer Lutheran Church in Peoria, Ill., with visitation beginning at 10 a.m. at the church. Pastor Joe Meyer will preside. A funeral service will be held at 11 a.m. Saturday, May 22, at Glenn Funeral Home in Owensboro, Ky., with the Rev. Clarence Nemitz officiating. A military burial will follow at Rose Hill Cemetery. Green River Dental Society members will serve as honorary pallbearers. Visitation will be held from 2 to 8 p.m. Friday, May 21, at the Glenn Funeral Home and after 9 a.m. on Saturday, May 22.

Expressions of sympathy may be given as donations to First Baptist Church of Owensboro or Redeemer Lutheran Church of Peoria.

Online condolences may be sent to the family at www.thewiltonmortuary.com or www.glenfuneralhome.com.