William Willson

William (Bill) Woodrow Willson, 86, departed this life on January 15, 2011, in Bradley Health Care and Rehab. Bill Willson was born on October 5, 1924, to Robert and Annie Willson in Polk County. He was a member of West Cleveland Baptist Church, serving as a deacon for several years. He was a United States Marine veteran, serving during World War II. He was a retired truckdriver with ETWNC and a member of the Teamsters Union. He was preceded in death by his parents, Robert and Annie Hibberts Willson and sisters, Beulah Willson, Grace Thomas, Ruth Steele, Veta Rogers, and Leta Boyd. Survivors include his wife of 65 years, Kathleen Giles Willson of Cleveland; daughter, Brenda Mason of Cleveland; son and daughter-in-law, Dean and Linda Willson of Cleveland; five grandchildren; several great-grandchildren; one great-great grandson; one brother, Richard Willson of Cleveland; one sister, Robbie Rogers of Benton; and also several nieces and nephews. Funeral services will be held at 2:00 p.m. on Tuesday, January 18, 2011, in the chapel of Ralph Buckner Funeral Home, officiated by the Reverends Arris Cavender and Jeff Bentley. Interment will follow at Hilcrest Memorial Gardens with Military Honors. A white dove release ceremony will conclude the service. Serving as pallbearers will be Michael Willson, Steven Willson, Buddy Mason, Jr., Josh Gilliland, Damien Camp, and Taylor Mason. The family will receive friends at the funeral home from 2:00 – 8:00 p.m. on Monday, January 17, 2011, and from 12:00 – 2:00 pm, prior to the service on Tuesday. We invite you to send a message of condolence and view the Willson family guestbook at www.ralphbuckner.com.