William Wilson Obituary

William "Bill" F. Wilson, 85, of Bonita Springs, Florida, passed away peacefully, finally answering the call to go home, after a life filled with hard work, adventure, and deep devotion to his family.
Born in McCullough, Alabama in 1939 to Inez Lisenba and Leonard Wilson, Bill's early years were shaped by resilience and perseverance. His older sister, Yvonne, remained with their father while Bill and his sister Mary stayed with their mother, Inez. Inez later married Parmer Williams, and the family grew to include siblings Mary, Buddy, Polly, Doug, Shirley, Tommy, and Pat. Together they lived and worked on the family farm, facing the challenges of rural life with determination.
In 1952, as times grew more difficult, Bill and several of his siblings were brought to Mount Dora Christian Home & Bible School. Even as a boy, Bill was known for his fierce independence and adventurous spirit. He ran away several times, always driven by a yearning for freedom and the open road. Eventually, he set out on his own, ready to carve his own path.
In 1960, Bill married the love of his life, Betty. Together, they raised three children: Michael, Alisa (Lisa), and Rebecca (Becky). Bill worked for years as a tree trimmer with Davey Tree Company, a career that took the family from Florida to New Jersey and back again. In 1971, they settled in Bonita Springs, where Bill founded Total Care Tree Service-a business that not only provided for his own family but supported extended family and the community as well. Later, he operated Wilson's Ornamental Pest Control Company, working actively until 2020.
Bill was a man of remarkable energy and enthusiasm. He rarely sat still-always bowling, golfing, scuba diving, biking, traveling, or practicing karate. He found joy in motion and purpose in work, but his greatest pride was always his family.
He and Betty shared 62 loving years of marriage before her passing on September 11, 2022. After her loss, Bill's health declined, and dementia slowly took hold, though his restless spirit remained-always seeking the road, the next place to go.
On the night he passed, his sister Mary dreamed of Betty, arms outstretched, waiting. She didn't understand the meaning until the call came. Bill had finally gone home-truly and completely.
He is preceded in death by his beloved wife Betty, his parents Inez and Leonard, his son, Michael Wilson who died on October 7, 2024. He is survived by his children Alisa A. Wilson-Cinello (Patrick) of Bonita Springs, FL and Rebecca S. Wilson-Calhoun (Jeffrey) of Bonita Springs, FL; grandchildren, Donnie, Jennifer, Christopher, Marc, Matthew, and Alexandria and great-grandchildren, Bailey, Zachary, Tyler, Jaeda, Blake, Lina, Everly, Quinton, Emmett and Madilyn; his siblings, Tommy Williams, Mary McDonald, Polly Sheppard, Shirley Willis and Pat Holsneck and his daughter-in-law, Sheila Wilson and a wide circle of extended family and friends whose lives were made better by knowing him.
Funeral services for Bill will be held on Saturday, July 19, 2025 at 10:30 AM at Shikany's Bonita Funeral Home 28300 Tamiami Tr. S., Bonita Springs, FL. The family will be receiving friends beginning at 10:00 AM at the funeral home. Burial will follow at Naples Memorial Gardens.
To sign his guest register or to leave online condolences please visit www.ShikanyFuneralHome.com.
Arrangements are being handled by Shikany's Bonita Funeral Home Family Owned and Operated Since 1978.