William Ernest Wilson, Sr
May 24, 1929 ~ November 4, 2012
PORTLAND - William Ernest Wilson, Sr., 83, died on November 4, 2012 at his residence. William was born on May 24, 1929, in Pickens County, Alabama, a son of Julius Glover and Mellie Pauline Babb Wilson. He was educated in Alabama schools. William married Virginia Cecilia Arnold in Portland on February 19, 1955. In 1948 William joined the United States Navy and served for twenty-two years. He served during the Korean and the Vietnam War and He was a Bronze Star recipient. He was a Gunner's Mate and retired in 1970 as a Chief Petty Officer. Upon retiring, William relocated to Portland. He then worked as a mechanic at Blue Rock Quarry for thirteen years, retiring from there in 1983. William enjoyed crossword and word search puzzles and was a football fan. He also loved attending his grandchildren's' school and other activities. William was predeceased by his wife, Virginia in 2004. He is survived by a daughter, Trina Wilson, of Portland; a son William Wilson, Jr., of Portland; a sister, Velma Aldridge, of Alabama; two brothers, Glover Wilson and Ralph Wilson, and his wife, Nellie, both of Alabama; four grandchildren, Joseph, William Thomas, Sean and Catherine Wilson; and one great-granddaughter, Vivian Forbes. Private graveside services will be held. Arrangements are under the direction of Conroy-Tully Crawford Funeral Homes and Cremation Services, 172 State Street, Portland, Maine.Online condolences may be expressed below.
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My heart is very sad for all of you. I will always cherish the memories of the visits I made to Maine to get to know you. He had a way of making anyone around him laugh, he loved all of you so much. My dad and him together were like two little giggling boys up to some mischief.I will have you in my prayers tomorrow and the days that follow.
– Candice Hobbs
I am so sorry for you loss. Uncle Bill was a very special person I have may fun memories of him. Aunt Ginny and Uncle Bill are together again.
– Deb Kenny
we are so sorry for your loss, we are going to miss him, he was a special person, we have many good memories of him, he is in heaven now with Aunt ginny and all his loved ones Barney,Berta and Pam(squirrel)
– the Mcdougall’s
I heard about Uncle Bill and wanted to express my condolences – you are all in my prayers.
– Ryan Griffin
I wanted to add….during the vietnam war he also received 2 silver stars……on one occasion the gun mount which he was assigned to malfunctioned he came out of mount climbed out of mount up on to barrel opening with legs hanging out while enemy gunboats were shooting at ship to make emergency repairs…on another occasion a round did not clear the gun barrel he came out of mount to hose down the barrel before the barrel became so hot it would have exploded killing all in the mount and again they were under gun fire and recd another silver star both for honor courage and bravery under fire
– william e wilson jr
My thoughts and prayers are with all of you. I was 4 years old when he joined the Navy and his visits back home were always special to his family.
– Doris Wilson Leo
Your family has much to be proud of with such a courageous man
– Jaimee
Holding each one of you in prayer.
– Aunt Joni
Sorry for your loss. My thoughts and prayers are with you.
– Uncle Bill
God Bless to all Family. What makes a nation’s pillars high And it’s foundations strong? What makes it might to defy The foes that round it throng? It is not gold. It’s Kingdoms grand Go down in battle shock; It’s shafts are laid on sinking sand, Not on abiding rock. Is it the sword? Ask the red dust Of empires passed away; The blood has turned their stones to rust. Their glory to decay. And is it pride? Ah, that bright crown Has seemed to nations sweet. But God has struck its luster down In ashes at his feet. Not gold but only men take make A people great and strong; Men who for truth and honor’s sake Stand fast and suffer long. Brave men who work while others sleep, Who dare while others fly… They build a nation’s pillars deep And lift them to the sky.
– Gary