James William “Papa Bill” Wilson

Posted on May 3, 2024

James William “Papa Bill” Wilson passed away on Saturday, April 20, 2024, in Columbus, Ind., at the age of 97. Bill was born in Rutherford, Tenn., on Oct. 16,1926, to the late James and Nannie Lowrance Wilson. He joined the Army in 1945 and served in Germany during World War II. During his early years with his wife and first love, Ollie (married 1950 to 1993), Bill worked as a manager for Robert Hall, Sears and Marshalls, and ran a clothing store, Bargains Galore. After Ollie’s passing in 1993, Bill later met and married his best friend’s sister, a sweet and beautiful soul by the name of Elizabeth Sue Crouse. Bill and Sue married in 1995 in Las Vegas, Nev., with her son, Edwin, and his wife in attendance. It was at this time that he moved and made his new home in Perry with Sue and for many years served as the maintenance man at First Baptist Church of Perry where he had many friends in the congregation, as well as being a faithful member. Bill was preceded in death by his father and mother; a sister; and his two faithful and adored brides, Ollie Ferrell Wilson and Elizabeth Sue Crouse Wilson. He is survived by: his two brothers, Frank Wilson and Ray Wilson; a daughter, Debbie Baker of Indiana, son, Jim Wilson of Texas; his grandchildren, Matthew Baker and Stephanie Sorrels (from his marriage to Ollie); and and Grandma Sue’s children, Edwin (Sherri) Crouse, Karen (Joseph) Akra, Marji Rendina and David (Jaki) Crouse. He was also “Papa Bill” to four very special granddaughters in Perry, Gena Crouse English, Hannah Crouse, Jordan (Jonathon) Colombini and Abbey Agner; along with Edwin’s children, Rory Chapman, Jeffrey Crouse and Brianna Crouse; Karen’s children, Kristina Fitzpatrick, Katherine Lazar and Joey Akra; and Marji’s children, Richard, Michael and David Rendina. At the time of Papa Bill’s passing, he had a total of 23 great-grandchildren with two more on the way. He also leaves behind his cherished pup, Daisy. Papa Bill was blessed through his lifetime, and in his earlier years he traveled and helped care for his young grandchildren in West Virginia, Jupiter and Fort Lauderdale. He then traveled to Italy in the 1980s, Napa Valley, Calif., Chicago, Ill., Nassau, Bahamas and to San Juan, Puerto Rico. He lived a life full of love and laughter with those who loved him most and anywhere with Papa Bill was an adventure. He always kept things interesting and brought all of us so many smiles and laughter. There was never a meal with Papa Bill that didn’t end with some type of sweet treat or dessert or his favorite, vanilla ice cream. His heart was always happiest right here at home in Perry with Mrs. Wilson. Papa Bill you will be so missed! A private memorial and burial were previously held in Indiana, and a celebration of his life is being planned in his honor in Perry. Arrangements are pending arrangements.