William "Bill" Henry Wilson

William “Bill” Henry Wilson, age 85, of Sanford, passed away on Wednesday, March 3, 2021 at his home surrounded by friends.

He was born in South Hill, Virginia on December 3, 1935, the youngest child to the late Otto and Nellie Gertrude Wilson.  William Henry “Bill” or (Toe) as he was affectionately called by his friends, nieces and nephews was loved by us all.  His sisters doted after him, there was always joy when he was around for family.  He would tell of his travels in the military whenever he visited.  He made sure to only tell the children (nieces and nephews and friends of his travels.  Never what went on as far as the wars and what was happening. 

Bill was retired from the US Army after 20 years of service which include tours of duty in both Vietnam and Germany where he earned a Bronze Star and Purple Heart. Bill was an accomplished singer, performer, and gospel songwriter – one of the songs he wrote climbed to number 10 on the gospel music charts in 2006.  Many of the songs that he wrote honored his military experience and his love for America. Bill spent years of his life visiting with and ministering to those in the prison system where he would regularly bring them toiletry items as well as words and prayers of help and hope. He was a member of Shepherd’s Flock Baptist Church.

He loved going out on the town, he would get all dressed to go out.  He loved being dressed from head to toe.  New hat, boots and suit, I remember after sitting and talking for a while how he would get dressed, it would make us laugh, because he went from all Military to Civilian, in an hour.  His visits bought a smile to our young faces.  He let us believe life was sweet.  Later in life he was called Uncle Toe.  He would sing for us and we all have copies of his original CD’s.

I can remember he had many friends; he was good at making friends being a kind soul.  We all knew he had a special bond with his best friend Dan of many years.  Once they met, they were best friends to the very end.

Bill is survived by many friends, church family and several nieces and nephews.

A memorial service will be held on Saturday, April 10, 2021 at  2:00 PM at Bridges-Cameron Funeral Home.  

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