William T. “Billy” Wilson of Rock Island, IL passed away peacefully on December 26, 2024. A Celebration of Life Service will be held on January 11, 2025, at The Word Church 356 16th Ave, East Moline, IL 61244 from Noon – 2pm. With the repast following in the fellowship hall.

Billy is the son of James B. Wilson and W. Jean Whitfield Wilson (Hudspeth). He received his education in the Rock Island School System and was instrumental in starting the Black Student Union at Rock Island High School. After graduating from High School, he enlisted in the Army and was stationed in Germany. After returning to the states, he lived in Rock Island and then moved to Milwaukee, WI. While in Milwaukee he was a member of the International Brotherhood of Painters and Allied Trades. This training allowed him to start his own business, Wilson’s Walls.

He was a member of Greater Antioch Baptist Church, where he was active in many departments. His proudest memory was of him playing Jesus on the cross during several Easter Program.

Billy loved music and that was evident by his vast collection of CD’s and videos. He was a talented seamstress and you would often see him wearing his handmade dashikis. During healthier times you could find him riding his bicycle from one end of the Quad Cities to the other.

Left to cherish his memory are daughters; Elunda Sanders, Lakitcia Wilson, Shantaye Sanders, Alexis Wilson and son Tranzy Sanders; 22 grandchildren and 14 great grandchildren; Siblings: Jim Wilson (BJ), Gloria Walton (John), Connie McKinney, Michael Wilson (Susan), and Tony Wilson (Paula)

He was proceeded in death by his parents, and granddaughter Darshaya Moore.