William Wilson

William Lamar "Bill" Wilson passed peacefully at his home on Saturday, March 17th, surrounded by his family, priest, and friends. He was a lifelong Episcopalian and a member of St. Christopher's Episcopal Church. Bill was born in New York City December 4, 1928. He graduated from Rutgers University in 1950 and served his country as a 1st Lieutenant in the Army during the Korean War. Bill was a member of the local Daniel Morgan Chapter of Military Officers Association. After the army, Bill was Vice President and General Manager of Riegel Textile. He relocated to Spartanburg in the 1960's to join Spartan Mills and was responsible for many manufacturing divisions during his 30-year tenure. Bill was Scout Master for 10 years of Troop 1 at the Episcopal Church of the Advent. He was tremendously proud of the growth of the troop during his leadership and the number of scouts who earned the Eagle Scout rank. He was the recipient of Scouting's prestigious Silver Beaver Award. Bill was a charter member of the North Spartanburg Rotary Club. He served as president, had 45 years of perfect attendance, was a Paul Harris Fellow, and awarded honorary lifetime membership to Rotary. Many people know Bill from his avid love of golf. He played thousands of rounds (293 in one year) and participated in competitive events throughout the state. In 1998 Bill and his playing partner won the South Carolina Senior Golf Tournament. Bill was past president of the Spartanburg Men's Garden Club and in 2007 was honored as Director Emeritus for his service to the club. The Yoshino Cherry Drive on South Pine Street is being dedicated in his honor. He was a certified Master Gardener. Like planting a garden, Bill cultivated friendships, was always encouraging, and had a way of bringing out the best in those around him in his profession, as a community volunteer and on the golf course. Survivors, including his wife, Peggy Wilson, are two daughters, Gaye Wilson Frazier of Southern Pines, NC and Donna Wilson Dornes and husband Jeff of Redmond, WA; son, William Lamar Wilson, Jr. and wife Starr of Chattanooga, TN; stepson, Richard Bayne of Spartanburg; six grandchildren, Will and Lindsey Dornes, Brittany and Trip Wilson, James Ferguson, and Alex Bayne. Visitation will be 6:00-8:00 PM Tuesday, March 20, 2012 at Floyd's Greenlawn Chapel. Funeral services will be conducted at St. Christopher's Episcopal Church at 1:00 PM Wednesday, March 21, 2012 by the Rev. Joseph K. Smith. Burial will be in Oakwood Cemetery. In lieu of flowers, memorials may be made to St. Christopher's Episcopal Church, 400 DuPre Drive, Spartanburg, SC 29307; or First Tee Junior Golf, 640 Keltner Avenue, Spartanburg, SC 29302; or Spartanburg Men's Garden Club, P.O. Box 1502, Spartanburg, SC 29304. Floyd's Greenlawn Chapel To send flowers or a memorial gift to the family of William Lamar "Bill" Wilson please visit our Sympathy Store.