'Death leaves a heartache no one can heal, but love leaves a memory no one can steal.' William (Bill) Wilson of Jekyll Island died at Southeast Georgia Health Systems from complications of Pneumonia, Pulmonary Fibrosis, and Covid-19. While heaven gained an angel, the world lost a beautiful compassionate human being - a loving husband, brother, uncle (Uncle Robot), and a cherished friend to many. Born in Glasgow, Scotland, and immigrating to the United States as a teen, he resided in the Washington DC area where he met his devoted wife of 50 years. They shared a beautiful love story with a little bit of crazy and a whole lot of love. Bill was known as 'Wild Bill' in some circles and he firmly believed that laughter was the key to love -- and Lord knows he certainly kept us all laughing! Bill worked in various industries in the DC area most recently as a court reporter serving multiple governmental agencies including the Tax Courts and the U.S. Supreme Court. Leaving DC, the couple moved to the U.S. Virgin Islands to accept a position in the Hospitality industry where, during the ensuing 10 years, they experienced a lifetime of adventures and established numerous precious life-long friendships. Upon their return to the continental U.S., they chose to reside in the State of Florida to be closer to family while enjoying the warm climate and ocean. Due to a family illness, they relocated to South Carolina for a short period before settling in beautiful Jekyll Island for the remainder of their time together. In 2008 he was diagnosed with vocal cord cancer. While receiving 7 weeks of radiation therapy his employer recognized him with honorable mention for never missing a day of work during his treatment. Several years later the cancer returned to his esophagus resulting in the loss of his voice box. In typical Bill fashion, he quickly mastered his electronic (robot) voice all the while maintaining his sense of humor and entertaining us as we all worked at interpreting his new language. In no time at all, he was talking up a storm! Bill loved the peace and quiet of Jekyll, his family, and many friendships, and being surrounded by nature. He enjoyed the birds, gardening, music, John Prine, and a really cold brew. A family member believes our Mom was probably waiting to greet him with a "cold one" in hand as he entered the Pearly Gates. While friends and family are heartbroken, and he will be dearly missed, he will never be far from us and will live on in our hearts forever. No service has been planned at this time due to Covid-19. In lieu of flowers, the family has requested donations be made to the American Cancer Society, Children's Hospital, or charity of your choosing. Death is nothing at all. It does not count. I have only slipped away into the next room. Nothing has happened. Everything remains exactly as it was. I am I, and you are you, And the old life that we lived so fondly together is untouched, unchanged. Whatever we were to each other, that we are still. Call me by the old familiar name. Speak of me in the easy way which you always used to. Put no difference in your tone. Wear no forced air of solemnity or sorrow. Laugh as we always laughed at the little jokes that we enjoyed together. Play, smile, think of me, pray for me. Let my name be ever the household word that it always was. Let it be spoken without an effort, without the ghost of a shadow upon it. Life means all that it ever meant. It is the same that it ever was. There is absolute and unbroken continuity. What is this death but a negligible accident? Why should I be out of mind because I'm out of sight? I am but waiting for you, for an interval, Somewhere very near, Just around the corner. All is well. Nothing is hurt; nothing is lost. One brief moment and all will be as it was before. How we shall laugh at the trouble of parting when we meet again! Heavenly Father, Guide and protect us throughout this day Remove the obstacles and enemies in our way Watch over those I love and those who love me Protect your creatures in the air, land and sea Please see us safely through our journeys and back home again These things we ask, Dear Lord, Amen Each morning is a new opportunity to shine, a chance to give the past a kick in the pants, and the future a big bear hug. wjw