William Winston Wilborn

Bill died on May 1st at the ripe age of 94. Bill visited Sacramento often and lived for a short time with his daughter, who retired from the Sacramento Bee after 26 years of reporting.

Born in Washington, Georgia in 1922, Bill was one of 19 children. At the age of 20, he was drafted into the US Army serving his country during World War II with immense integrity, fortitude of character and patriotism and distinguishing himself as an advocate for equal treatment for his fellow African Americans during this era of segregation.

While stationed in Camp Stoneman in Pittsburg, he met his wife, Doris Hall and from that union their daughter Willia (Billie) Wilborn aka as Fahizah Alim, was born. Bill moved his family from Berkeley to Chicago where he was well-known for his talent in business working his way up from a butcher to eventually purchasing a grocery store and other businesses.

In 1970 Bill moved to San Diego with his second wife, Delores, and adopted a son, James. He worked part-time as a sky cap, and spent his days golfing and deep sea fishing, sharing his talents as a raconteur and his wit, humor and wise counsel with his family and friends.

He would often say that time spent fishing and golfing was not deducted from your life. And he golfed 5 days a week until he was 87 years old often beating his much younger nephews, while sharing his legendary stories, as a respected and beloved community elder, Bill enjoyed a lifetime of remarkable success in every endeavor and inspired others through his numerous achievements and strong devotion to his family. He was a dynamic role model for all people who believe strongly in their obligation to improve the quality of life for future generations.

Survivors include his wife, Delores, son James, duitiful daughter, Fahizah Alim and grandchildren, Sherod Thaxton, Tahirah Works, and Rashad and Amir Johnson, James Jr. and Davante Wilborn. Brothers, Joe and Franklin Wilborn; sisters, Ruth Crutcher and H.Cynthia Clark, and scores of loving nieces and nephews, all of whom will miss him greatly.