COLUMBUS
Mr. James William “Bill” Wilson passed away at 9:53 p.m. Saturday, April 20, 2024, at Keepsake Village in Columbus, Indiana at the age of 97. Bill was born in Rutherford, Tennessee on October 16, 1926, to the late James and Nannie Lowrance Wilson. Bill joined the Army in 1945 and served in Germany during WWII.
Bill married the love of his life, Ollie Ferrell, on March 19, 1950. Bill worked as a manager for Robert Hall, Sears Save Shop, and Marshalls. Bill and Ollie ran a clothing store, Bargains Galore.
Bill loved his children, grandchildren, and great-grandchildren with his entire heart. He was known for being able to fix anything, reading anything he could get his hands on, drinking super sweet coffee, and making everyone laugh by yelling “Elvira” at the most random times. He loved to play card games, especially Rook and Uno. Bill was never one to turn down something sweet to eat. “There’s always room for a sweet treat”. He was a wonderful man who never seemed to grow old, even at 97. Bill had a smile made of sunshine and a heart made out of gold, an infectious laugh, a great sense of humor, and an abundance of love for God and for his family.
Bill was preceded in death by his father, Jim; mother, Nannie; sister, Carrie Wilson Sommers; sister-in-law, Mary Wilson; sister-in-law, Denise Strain; brother-in-law, Bill Sommers and his wife, Ollie. He is survived by his brothers, Frank (Helen) Wilson, Ray Wilson; children; Debbie (Steve) Baker of Columbus and Jim (L.C.) Wilson of Texas; grandchildren, Matthew (Jill) Baker and Stephanie (Kris) Sorrels; great-grandchildren, William Baker and Magnolia Sorrels; honorary grandchild, Heather Angel; honorary great-grandchildren, Olivia Aguayo and Owen Angel; and his beloved dog, Daisy. Bill will be deeply missed by his family, friends, and his Keepsake Village family.
After Ollie’s death in 1993, he married his second wife, Elizabeth Sue Jewell, from whom he inherited 4 children, 14 grandchildren, and many great-grandchildren. She preceded Bill in death in 2021.
Bill would say he had been truly blessed by God, and he lived a long and fulfilled life with no regrets. A celebration of life will be planned at a future date.
In keeping with Bill’s wishes, cremation and a private burial is planned, so Bill can be laid at rest with his late wife, Ollie.
Memorial contributions may be made to Schneck Medical Center Hospice.
Online condolences and special memories may be shared with Bill’s family at barkesweaverglick.com.
Caring and professional service is being provided to the Wilson family by Barkes, Weaver &Glick Funeral Home.
