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William Henry Wilson, known to family and close friends as "Joe" was the elder of two children born to the marital union of the late William Washington Wilson and the late Mrs. Ruby Lee Harvin-Eve on January 2, 1944 in Conway, South Carolina. He was nurtured in the family of his mother, step-father Arthur Eve, Sr., grandmother: Elese Spain and his sister Dr. Gwendolyn D. Wilson. He peacefully transitioned to eternal rest on November 6, 2021 at the Medical University of South Carolina, Charleston, South Carolina surrounded by family.
A physically athletic student, he graduated from the historically segregated Whittemore High School in Conway where he was a star basketball player; graduating in the Class of 1962 and remained loyally active with his class and the Whittemore Alumni Association until his passing. There he met and later married his high school sweetheart: Elizabeth Hickman whose union produced three children: Sharon Elizabeth Wilson Powell (Calvin), William Anthony and Sheila Nicole Wilson-Smith.
Mr. Wilson later married the former Dr. Margaret A. Felder on July 30, 1994 and enjoyed 25 years of loving devotion until he transitioned to eternal rest. Their union was anchored in Christ, filled with laughter, harmony and friendship as a true testimony of their commitment to the Word of God and each other. This union produced a peaceful, welcoming haven for his children and grandchildren, family and friends.
Always pursuing knowledge, Wilson received his Bachelor's Degree in Health and Physical Education from Claflin University and a Master's Degree in Rehabilitation Counseling from South Carolina State University. He is a Licensed Master Social Worker having been certified by the South Carolina Board of Social Work Examiners.
Never idle, he worked for the city of Aiken Recreation Department as center director of the Smith-Hazel Recreation Center and for Bamberg School District II as Athletic Director, basketball coach and physical education instructor. In 1983, he was employed by the South Carolina Department of Health and Human Services (DHHS)/Finance Commission from 1983 until his retirement in 2010. While at DHHS, William held several positions, including: social service worker for the Community Long Term Care program in Orangeburg and Aiken counties, program coordinator for the Division of Quality Assurance and Supervisor of the Community Long Term Care program satellite office in Aiken, South Carolina.
His professional, civic and personal affiliations included: member of the South Carolina Public Health Association, the South Carolina State Employees Association, past member of the Orangeburg County Accommodations Tax and Tourism Advisory Committee, Community Long Term Care Waivered Service Committee for DHHS, The Lower Savannah Regional Aging Advisory Council, South Carolina Commission on Aging Summer School of Gerontology Planning Committee and National Rehabilitation Counseling Association,
Passionate about the future of civil rights, William was a Life Member of the National Association for the Advancement of Colored People (NAACP), former President of the Orangeburg County NAACP Chapter and held offices in both the state and national branches.
In 2013 Mr. Wilson was appointed to the Regional Medical Center (RMC) Board of Trustees where he remained actively dedicated until his passing. He was honored as Trustee of the Year in 2017 for outstanding service, devotion to making the hospital better and his commitment to improving the lives of those served. As a Trustee, our William served on the RMC Trustee Development Committee as chair and vice chair, the Edisto Regional Health Services Board and Finance Committee.
Mr. Wilson was an active member of New Mount Zion Baptist Church in Orangeburg where he served as chairman of the Board of Trustees, however remained as an Advisor following his term as well as a member of the Usher Board. During his leisure time, he enjoyed golfing, played tennis, was a proud supporter of the South Carolina State University Football team and attended games faithfully seated at the 50 yard line beside his supporting wife. He was also an avid fan of Western television shows, other sporting events, political programs, the state and national news and enjoyed reading.
In addition to his children, he was blessed with three grandchildren: Chavar R. (Shayla) Powell of Charlottesville, Virginia; Dantae J. (Ashley) Powell of Suitland,Maryland and Elizabeth J. (Christopher) Johnson of Columbia, South Carolina; 7 great grandchildren, a beloved cousin: Reverend Dr. Sam T. Spain, Sr. whom he regarded as his brother, numerous sisters and brothers-in-laws, extensive golf, personal and professional associates.
He is survived by his devoted loving wife Dr. Margaret Felder-Wilson of the home, his children, grand and great grandchildren, his sister a resident of Orangeburg, sisters and brother-in-law: Beverly Murph and Gertrude Littles of Brooklyn, New York and Willie Lee Felder of Roanoke Rapids, North Carolina and a host of cousins, family, friends including Mr. Melvin Smoak and classmates.
The service will proceed as follows:
The viewing will be held on Thursday, November 11,2021 at Glover's Funeral Home from 12:00pm until 7:00pm.
The funeral will be held on Friday, November 12,2021 at New Mt. Zion Baptist Church 1785 Amelia St. Orangeburg, SC beginning at 11:00am. All those attending the service must wear a mask and adhere to all COVID-19 rules and regulations.
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