Robert Henry "Bill" Wilson

In Memory of Robert Henry “Bill” Wilson

Obituary

Personal Information

Robert Henry “Bill” Wilson

September 12th, 1932, to March 18th, 2026

Preceded in Death By

Parents: John Henry and Stella Wilson

Wife of 61 years: Jane B. Wilson

Survived By

Brother: Larry Wilson and wife Linda

Sons:

Darrell W. Wilson and wife Lori

Eric B. Wilson

Grandchildren:

Carrie Henegar and husband Joshua

Brittany Bickel and husband Brice

Keagan Pope and husband John

Tyler Wilson and wife Lynsey

Corbin Wilson and wife Oralia

Great-Grandchildren:

G. Reese Henegar

Sylar Bickel

Mason Pope

Brody Wilson

Camden Bickel

Jett Wilson

Rowen Bickel

Emery Jane Henegar

Layla Wilson

Ada Wilson

Affiliations and Memberships

Thomasville Jaycees Life Member

32nd Degree Mason, Thomasville Masonic Lodge #214

Thomasville Buck Club

NC Seniors Golf Association

Early Life

Bill grew up in Rowan County, where his father worked at sawmills, causing the family to move frequently in search of work. From ages six to eight, Bill spent two years at Pinehurst Sanitorium, separated from his parents while he battled tuberculosis. Due to distance and financial hardship, visits from his parents were difficult. Bill attended Spencer Schools, where he fondly remembered his days as a Spencer Railroader, especially playing football with returning older students’ home from the service. He recalled the NC School of the Deaf as the toughest team he ever faced and joked about not wanting a rematch.

Bill also enjoyed motorcycle dirt bike racing, building his own bikes with money earned from working at the Chicken and Oyster Shack. His time there was filled with memorable stories—ranging from bootlegging and poker games in the back to inadvertently creating a signature fry recipe when a cook dropped fries into the fish batter.

Family and Career

At 18, he married Jane Beard Wilson. She was always supportive of Bill and his adventures and worked closely with him throughout their 61 years together. Bill often remarked that he never saw his paycheck, as he gave it to Jane to ensure the bills were paid. He worked in the sawmills and at the Spencer Dye Plant before joining an Advance Auto Store, which eventually transferred him to Thomasville as a store manager. Discovering that working for others did not suit him. His first attempt at working for himself was an attempt to run a service station, but the venture was unsuccessful.

In 1956, Bill was drafted into the Army and served at the Maryland Army Chemical Base, receiving the Efficiency Honor and Fidelity Medal. After returning to civilian life, he worked in sales for a New York firm selling plastic furniture hardware and part-time sales position with State Farm. He quickly became a district sales leader for State Farm but was told he could not work two jobs. In 1960, Bill started his own company, Bill Wilson Insurance, and found his niche.

With his insurance business providing stability, and his sons joining him, Bill branched out into various ventures—some successful, others not. He was never afraid to take risks, investing in everything from Freezie Machines and convenience stores to apartments and other properties. He attributed his success to hard work, a bit of luck, and especially the Jaycees.

Entrepreneurial Spirit and Community Involvement

In a 1985 interview with The Thomasville Times, Bill shared that he never met a goal—because every time he neared one, he set it higher! Even in retirement, he continued to start new businesses, including Video Vault with three locations, four daycares, and selling clothing from the back of his car. Bill trusted people and valued his business partners. He was a lifetime member of the Thomasville Jaycees, Long Time member of The Thomasville Buck Club, and a 32nd degree Mason in Thomasville Masonic lodge #214. He also ran the NC Seniors Golf Association for several years, hosting tournaments and organizing group golf trips to Scotland and Ireland.

Legacy

In that same article, Bill expressed hope that he would one day leave a mark on the world. His legacy is best captured in a poem I have kept since 1982: “The Bridge” by Will Allen Dromgoole. Please look it up, read it and you will agree.

A private family memorial will conclude with Burial at Holly Hill Cemetery.

Online condolences may be sent to www.jcgreenandsons.com.

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