William (Bill) Wilson, 86, passed away on June 8, 2026 due to complications of pneumonia following a long battle with dementia. He was born Oct 11, 1939, in Casa Grande, AZ, the son of Thomas Nelson Wilson and Lenora P (Prather) Wilson.

Bill grew up in the Modesto, CA area and served in the U.S. National Guard and then the U.S. Air Force for four years and was honorably discharged in 1961.

He was predeceased by his parents. Bill was survived by his wife of 65 years, Marilyn, who left to join him on the 9th of June. He is survived by his sister, Linda Bradley and brother-in-law Dale Bradley of Patterson CA, daughter Merrie Giles and son-in-law Daryl Giles of Ridgecrest CA, daughter Brenda Stanfill and son-in-law Lance Stanfill of Fairbanks AK, son Joe Wilson of Fairbanks AK, grandchildren Steven Giles, Shandy Stanfill, Shaine Harris, Beatriz Sorensen, Kayli Stanfill, and Ashleigh Cliften along with their partners, and many great and great great grandchildren.

Bill loved God, his family and his country, serving as a minister for 45 years partially in tandem with 32 years of ordnance for the national guard and Air Force followed by logistics for the Navy.

The family will hold a joint celebration of life for Bill and Marilyn at the Ridgecrest Church of the Nazarene located at 571 N Norma Ridgecrest, CA on Oct 11, 2026 at 3PM

In lieu of flowers, please donate in his name to an Alzheimer’s foundation of your choice.