Lt. Col. William Farmer Wilson, 100, passed away at his home Friday, January 7, 2011 in Conyers, Rockdale County, GA. Bill was born November 25, 1910 into the family of William Thomas Wilson & Vela Louise Farmer Wilson, the first Grandson in the Wilson/Farmer line, at Ringold, Pittsylvania County, VA.
At the age of seven the Wilson family moved to Danville, VA where he attended Jackson Elementary School & Schoolfield Technical Junior High School. He became a member of the Boy Scouts of America & the 4-H Club. After completing the 9th grade they moved to Yanceyville, Caswell County, NC where he graduated from Bartlett Yancey High School.
In the fall of 1928 Bill enrolled at North Carolina State University, Raleigh, NC. One summer school session was spent at the University of Manila, Philippine Islands. Having been a member of the ROTC, he graduated with a B.S. degree in Agricultural Education and was commissioned 2nd Lieutenant of Infantry, serving in the U. S. Army Reserves. Bill taught Agriculture, Science, Math & Biology at Prospect Hill High School. He also coached football, basketball and baseball. His last year at Prospect Hill was spent as Principal. In April there was a Measles epidemic forcing the school to close for three weeks. During this time Bill married Margaret Hudson Wilson of Conyers, GA. He was accused of closing the school just to get married!
In 1941 Bill was called from Reserves to Active Duty as 1st Lieutenant of Infantry U. S. Army; until 1947 when he returned to Reserve duty as Major, U. S. Army Air Corps. He retired in 1962 as Lt. Colonel, Air Force Reserve. After receiving training in Air Force Staff Officers School & Air Force University, he served in administrative capacity during the 5 1/2 years of active duty, being stationed at Fort Benning, GA; Colorado Springs, CO; San Antonio, TX; Pacific Air Service Command, Manila, Philippine Island; and Australia.
In August, 1936, Bill was appointed Assistant County Agent in Reidsville, Rockingham County, NC and served in this capacity until January 1959, with the exception of his active military duty in World War II. He then served as Director of Northwestern District, North Carolina County Agents Assn where he received the Distinguished Service Award. He was also an active member of the Kiwanis Club, Epsilon Sigma Phi, Grange & Farm Bureau.
Upon retirement in 1971, Bill and Margaret moved to Conyers and built their retirement home on Margaret’s family farm. At her death, Margaret was buried in the family plot at Eastview Cemetery, February, 1998.
Bill married his long-time family friend, Ruth Durham Lucas Wilson on August 28, 1999.
Bill is survived by his wife, Ruth Durham Wilson, Conyers; daughters, Lin Maines of North Carolina and Vicki Myers Tilton of California; grandchildren, Shawn Maines, Eric Maines, Lucas Myers, Casey Myers, Joren Myers; great-grandchildren, Joshua Maines, Jacob Maines.
Funeral services will be held Friday, January 14, 2011 at 2 p.m. at Conyers Presbyterian Church, 911 N. Main Street, Conyers with Rev. Tom Sparks officiating; interment with military honors will be Saturday, January 15, 2011 at 2 p.m. at Eastview Cemetery, Conyers. Family will receive friends Thursday, January 13, 2011 from 4 until 6 p.m. at the funeral home.
Condolences may be submitted on-line at www.scotward.com. Scot Ward Funeral Services - Harry White Chapel, 1299 Milstead Ave., Conyers, GA 30012, 770-483-7216.
