William Ralph Wilson

" But those who hope in the Lord will renew their strength. They will soar on wings like eagles; they will run and not grow weary, they will walk and not be faint " Isaiah 40:31 

William Ralph Wilson, 77,  peacefully went to be with his Savior on February 5, 2025 after a long battle with Parkinson’s disease and Diabetes.

Bill was born in West Brattleboro, Vermont on August 8, 1947 to Helen and William Wilson. He enjoyed a carefree boyhood of country life and in 1966 was awarded a place at the U.S. Naval Academy in Annapolis, Maryland, where he was an outstanding and popular student. He graduated with honors in 1969 and he married his beloved wife of 55 years the day following his graduation from the Academy. He began his naval career as a nuclear engineer under the command of Admiral Hyman Rickover in the esteemed Nuclear Submarine program. Following his military service, he took various positions utilizing his skills in nuclear engineering in the private sector. After his retirement, he pursued post graduate work, teaching and web design while also serving as an Elder in his church. Bill was passionate about evangelism and discipleship and had a special heart for his church's Spanish ministry. He lived his Christian faith in a very tangible way. His integrity and generosity of spirit were evident in his compassion and outreach. He taught by example and raised his three children with a firm but loving hand and steadfast Christian values.  

Bill is survived by his loving wife, Barbara Ramsey Wilson, his children Jenny Waters (Andy), Joshua Wilson (Whitney) and Sarah Wilson Garmer, his sister Dorothy Rand (Robert), brother Bruce Wilson and his grandchildren Grace Long (Caleb), Anna Ruth Waters, Benjamin Waters (April), Joseph Waters, Mary Katherine Waters, Liam Wilson and Millie Wilson.  

He will be dearly missed by all, and remembered with great love and admiration for his courage and desire to glorify God in every part of his life. 

Visitation will be held from 11:30 am - 1:00pm Thursday, February 13 at Tates Creek Presbyterian Church, 3900 Rapid Run Drive. The funeral service will be at 1:00 pm following the visitation, a private family burial to follow at Blue Grass Memorial Gardens. In lieu of flowers, please send donations to Tates Creek Presbyterian Church Mercy Fund, https://www.tcpca.org/give or Navigators, https://www.navigators.org/give/.