William Paul Wilson Jr.
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Upon the passing of Bill Wilson, the world became a quieter place. Bill had a larger-than-life personality that was infectious in every room he entered. His memory will live on through the countless stories from friends and family, as everyone he ever met certainly had their own Bill Wilson story to share. Bill had a wide array of hobbies that included UT Football, Knoxville Ice Hockey, researching various historical topics, literature, and collecting books and antique radios, televisions, and cameras. Bill was a member of First Presbyterian Church where he formerly served as a deacon.
On December 10th, Bill passed away at the age of 77, at Parkwest Hospital, after an extended decline in health, surrounded by his family.
Bill was born and raised in Maryville, TN. After graduating from Porter High School, he attended the University of Tennessee - Martin prior to enlisting in the United States Air Force where served as a security specialist during the Vietnam War. Upon his return, he graduated from the University of Tennessee- Knoxville. Following his graduation, he worked in radio in Richmond, KY and later at WATE Radio in Knoxville. Bill then worked as a television producer at the University of Tennessee - Knoxville for 20 years. He ended his professional career as an educator for the Knox County Schools, primarily teaching English and journalism at Austin-East High School.
Bill is survived by his wife of 36 years, Mary Queen Wilson, his children - Saundra Wilson Pitt (Matthew), sons William Wilson III and John Wilson (Anna), beloved granddaughter Madeleine Pitt, sisters Dorotha Seabolt (Van) of Chattanooga, TN, and Sandra Sikes of Knoxville. Bill was preceded in death by his parents William Paul Wilson Sr. and Mary Evelyn Thomas Wilson.
A memorial service will be planned at a later date at First Presbyterian Church. The family would like to express a heartfelt appreciation to Angel Denney for her care, love and support of Bill and to the Palliative Care Unit at Parkwest Hospital for his end-of-life care. In lieu of flowers, donations can be to First Presbyterian Church, the East Tennessee Historical Society, or the Knoxville Humane Society.