Coach William "Bill" Preston Wilson

Coach William "Bill" Preston Wilson, 77, born April 11, 1947, passed away peacefully on June 23, 2024 in Clarksville, IN. He was the son of Mary (Payne) Wilson Leonard and stepfather Raymond G. Leonard. Bill was a cherished member of the community and a dedicated advocate for education.

Bill's teaching career began at Henryville High School and continued at Jeffersonville High School, where he also coached track and cross country. His career included work with the Clarksville Parks Department where he later became a board member. He participated with many committees and supported several projects that benefited the community of the Town of Clarksville. Bill always enjoyed seeing former students while also working part-time at Sears.

In 1992, Bill was elected to the Clarksville Community School Board, where he served with distinction. His leadership and dedication were recognized when he became the Board President, a position he held for several terms. Bill's influence extended to the state level through his service on the Indiana School Boards Association.

His outstanding contributions to education and the community were acknowledged with the Sagamore of the Wabash Award, the highest honor bestowed by the State of Indiana.

Bill will be remembered for his unwavering commitment to his students, his community, and his State. His legacy of service and dedication will continue to inspire all who knew him.

He is survived by his wife of 55 years, Dorothy; his children, Aaron (Staci), Christina (Chris), and Brent (Michelle); and his granddaughters, Morgan, Riley, and Ava.

In lieu of flowers or gifts, the family requests donations in Bill's memory to be considered through his preferred charities: the Gary Sinise Foundation which supports Military, Veterans and First Responders through a variety of programs and scholarships or St. Jude's Children's Research Hospital.

Bill will be deeply missed by his family, friends, colleagues, and countless students whose lives he touched over the years. A community remembrance will be hosted on Sunday, July 21 at 2pm and located at Renaissance Academy, 806 Eastern Boulevard, Clarksville, IN 47129.”