He is preceded in death by his parents, James Floyd Wilson, Sr. and Mary Jim Weathers Wilson of Wedowee, Alabama, and his brothers James Floyd Wilson, Jr. and Joseph Weathers Wilson. Bill is survived by his adored bride of 70 years, Rudine Cooper Wilson, daughter Becky (Rodney) Hardy of Auburn and son Robert C. "Bob" Wilson of Mobile, Alabama; grandchildren: Robyn (Scott) Helms, Jenny (Jeremy) Burrage, Nathan (Olivia) Hardy, Dr. Cooper Wilson, Clint Wilson, Caroline (Martin) Miller, and Caleb (Devin) Wilson; great-grandchildren: Hardy and Ellie Helms, Hannah and Clark Burrage, and Belle Hardy; and by his loving sister, Rebecca Wilson Kinard. Bill was a meteorologist with the X Corps Artillery and was proud to serve his county in the Pacific Theater during WWII. He spent time in the Philippines and was part of the occupation of Japan. He earned his B.S. in Agriculture at API in 1949 and, later, his Masters Degree in 1960 as a member of the first graduating class of Auburn University. Bill's pride in being in this historical class manifested itself throughout his life as he was an avid fan of Auburn University athletics and loved attending games and supporting HIS school. Bill's first job out of college was with Guy Hood Feed Store in Gadsden. Later Bill served as the Farm Manager at the Alabama Baptist Children's Home in Troy, Alabama. He joined Auburn University Extensive Service in 1954, serving as Assistant County Agent in Ashland, Alabama. In 1961 he became one of 12 original area rural resources development specialists in Alabama. While in this capacity, he received the AU Alumni Association award for Excellence. Bill was credited with helping start one of the first Extension rural development programs in the nation. He played the role of motivator, trainer, technical advisor, and on many occasions, developer of projects. He helped form the East Alabama Regional Planning and Development Commission and the Region IV Health Systems Agency. He helped organize the Tallapoosa Highland Lakes Association, a multi-county tourism promotion group. In 1978 Bill helped develop the county health council approach to solving common health-care problems- a program that spread across the state. Bill was a faculty member of the 1974 National Rural Leader's School; a founding member of the Community Development Society of America; director of the Alabama Health Planning District IV; a member of the Alabama Citizen's Advisory Board for recreation and tourism and Chairman of the East Alabama Council on Aging. Bill returned to Auburn and the campus he loved in 1976 to finish his career with the Extension Service and retired in 1983. Bill was a member of Gamma Sigma Delta and Epsilon Sigma Phi. Bill's two great loves were his family and his church. We are thankful for his Godly life and his example to us and others. Bill truly lived his belief in the importance of making a contribution to one's community and in honoring God by giving his time and energy to the churches where he worshipped. Visitation will be Monday, February 13, 2017 at Parkway Baptist Church from 9:45 until 10:45 a.m. Funeral Service will be at Parkway Baptist Church Monday, February 13, 2017 at 11:00 a.m. with Dr. Jeff Redmond officiating. Interment will follow at Wedowee Cemetery. Pallbearers will be Bill's grandsons and grandsons-in-law. Honorary Pallbearers are Bill's dear friends from his Sunday School Class. In lieu of flowers the family requests that memorials be made to the Building Fund at Parkway Baptist Church. Visitation will be Monday, February 13, 2017 at Parkway Baptist Church from 9:45 until 10:45 a.m