Obituary for Billy Wayne Wilson

Billy Wayne Wilson passed away at his home in Franklin County on Friday, October 7^th. Born on April 14^th, 1958, he was 64 years old. He was a resident of Franklin County for over 40 years, living on the same land his entire adult life.  He was a 3^rd generation railroad worker at the East End shops at Norfolk Southern in Roanoke from 1979-1988. Although Billy was a deeply flawed, complex individual, he was incredibly passionate and deeply valued the subtle beauty in nature. He was an avid hunter, specifically Spring Gobbler. The walls of his house are littered with trophy beards and spurs, as he took 112 longbeards in 43 years of hunting. He also bow-killed two black bears. Notebook after notebook tell of his lifetime in the woods, spent in the quietude of a brisk Spring morning. Honestly, nothing made him happier. He also loved watching any, and all sports, loved going to rock concerts, and reading fantasy books. He was also an accomplished billiards player, as he finished 1^st in the Roanoke Valley 8-Ball league in 1999.  He wanted to give special thanks to dear friends and neighbors: Ms Kitty, Ed Howard, Derrick Amos, Matt Foster, and Donnie Jones. He is preceded in death by his ex-wife, Janet Otey, his brother Greg Wilson, his father Bill Wilson, and his mother Marion Griffin Wilson.

Surviving are his four children- Joshua Wilson, Brandy Moore, Jessica Mangold, and Zachariah Wilson, numerous grandchildren, as well as his brother Mike, and sisters, Lisa, and Robin.

“Our birth is but a sleep and a forgetting:

That Soul that rises with us, our life’s Star,

Hath had elsewhere its setting,

And Cometh from afar:

Not in entire forgetfulness,

And not in utter nakedness,

But trailing clouds of glory do we come…

-William Wordsworth

Dad- I hope you find some peace at last. I know over the last fifteen years you lived a simple, lonely life. I know you never found forgiveness, nor did you make amends. Despite everything, you were a great father to me, and I loved you very much. You lived in your own small world, but you will be missed. And as you so wish, I’ll let the wind carry your memory, and the Earth shall be your final embrace.

No formal ceremony or memorial will be held.  Online condolences may be sent to the family by visiting www.seaglefuneralhome.com  Arrangements by Seagle Funeral Home, Pulaski.  540-980-1700