William Russell Wilson

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William Russell Wilson (Bill) 85 years old, passed away peacefully at his home on September 26, 2024.

He was preceded in death by his wife, Ruth Wilson.

He is survived by his daughter Sharon Marshburn and husband, Steve, of Walstonburg and their children, Richard Boyd III of Greeneville, Amber Whitaker (Drew), Kenny Marshburn (Amanda) and Kimberly Marshburn of Snow Hill. He is survived by his son, Douglas Wilson and wife, Mandy, of New Bern and their children, Dalton Askew (Megan), Samantha Wilson (Gracey) all of New Bern and Hunter Wilson in Finland. Bill is also survived by eight great grandchildren and many nieces and nephews. And a special nephew who was like a brother to him, Jim Bloomquist (Bobby) of Montana.

Bill was born in Pocatello, Idaho in 1939 where he first joined the reserves at the age of 17 and then enlisted in the Marine Corps in 1959 where he served four years and then two years with the National Guard. In his travels he was stationed at Cherry Point where he met his wife, Ruth Wilson, of Florence, NC. They were married for 58 years before her passing.

Bill and Ruth always loved traveling and camping in which they passed on to their children and grandchildren. Bill was a machinist by trade and then went on to instruct at Craven Community College from where he retired.

The family would like to thank Melissa Moreno, Erica Chavez and Taylor Leggett, his caregivers, for taking such good care of Daddy and going above and beyond what was asked of them. They have truly been a blessing.

A graveside service with military honors will be held at 2 pm, Monday, September 30 at Concord Memorial Gardens in Florence, North Carolina.

In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions can be made to Craven County Animal Shelter, 1639 Old Airport Road, New Bern, NC 28562.