William "Red" Ronald Wilson

William was born in Winston Salem, North Carolina on June 17, 1934 to Carl and Pauline Wilson and was an only child. William was raised and educated in Winston Salem, graduating high school in 1952. After high school William joined the U.S. Air Force where he had many exciting adventures. In December of 1955 while stationed at Castle Air Force base in Merced William met the love of his life Patricia Ann Hamilton and after a brief courtship the two married on May 16, 1956. William and Patricia had three children Ronda, Terry and Marty. William’s military service took him and his family on many adventures all over the United States and Guam. After 22 years of military service William and his family settled in Visalia and he began a 22 year career with Gottschalk’s. William was very involved in his community and most notably he was a member of the Sequoia Lions Club for 30 plus years. He served in numerous positions within the Lions Club organization, was President for four terms and received numerous awards most recently William received the Melvin Jones Fellow for dedicated humanitarian services.

William enjoyed getting together with his close friends for their occasional game of chicken foot. He was also an avid reader, enjoyed golfing, traveling, hunting, fishing and camping with his family.

William and Patricia were married for 52 years until Patricia’s passing in 2008.

William was preceded in death by his parents, Carl and Pauline, wife Patricia and son Terry. William is survived by two children, Ronda Cornett of Visalia, Ca and Marty Wilson of Chico, Ca; seven grandchildren, Karri (Josh Buskirk) and Kelly Casey, Daron and Danielle Cornett, Shane, Chyenne and Chase Wilson and one great grandson, Lukas Buskirk

Memorial services will be held on Tuesday, March 29, 2016 at 4 p.m. at Miller Memorial Chapel, 1120 W. Goshen Avenue in Visalia.

Donations can be made to Visalia Sequoia Loins Club P.O. Box 41 Visalia, Ca 93279 or the charity of your choice.

Tributes and condolences may be made at www.millerchaple.com.

Arrangements entrusted to Miller Memorial Chapel, 1120 W. Goshen Ave., Visalia, CA 93291 (559) 732-8371