A great man, Billy C. Wilson, of Phil Campbell, passed from this earth April 4 after 88 long and good years.

Billy was born Aug. 14, 1934, as one of eight children to Cleve and Liddie Wilson. He married his high school sweetheart, Joan Murphy, and they enjoyed nearly 70 years together. He retired from Reynolds Steel after 40 years, was a farmer, ran a side business with his brother, Cleve Jr., served on the school board for Franklin County Education and was the biggest Alabama fan you would ever meet. He truly was full of life and made the most out of his time here on Earth.  

He was a kind and gentle man, one-of-a-kind, a friend to everyone, and he lived a good life.  

Billy was a lifetime member of Phil Campbell First Baptist Church. He was a devoted husband, a great father and a loved Papaw and will be missed by all his family and friends.

He was preceded in death by his wife, Joan Murphy Wilson; son, Gregory “Shug” Wilson; parents, Cleve and Liddie (Flippo) Wilson; and siblings, Cleve Wilson Jr., Grace Burnell, Polly McRight, Paschal Wilson, Jimmy Wilson, Gene Wilson and Marvin Wilson.

He leaves to cherish his memory, his son, Robin Wilson (Linda); daughter, Janna Wilson Flanagan Baker (Warren); grandchildren, Mollie Catherine Flanagan and Corey Bryant Flanagan (Lauren); great-grandchildren, Cooper Flanagan, Evie Flanagan and Ridge Bryant Flanagan; and a host of nieces, nephews and friends.

A graveside service was held at 1 p.m. April 10 at Phil Campbell City Cemetery. Bro. Terry Buster officiated the service.

The pallbearers were Corey Bryant Flanagan, Tony Shackleford, Donald Stevenson, Terry Benford, Bob Burnell and Randy Ergle. The honorary pallbearers were Phillip Wilson, Birvin Murphy, Robert Taylor, James Harold Bohannon and Bobby Swinney.

The family would like to offer a sincere thanks to the nurses and staff of Russellville Hospital ER as well as to the staff of Spry Memorial Chapel for your love and care of our father and our family.

Spry Memorial Chapel assisted the family. To have us sign the book for you, please free to call, or to leave private condolences, visit www.sprymemorialchapel.com.