William Willson Obituary

William Willson of Dickson City died Saturday at Geisinger Community Medical Center. His wife is the former JoAnne S. Robinson.

Born in Taylor, he was the son of the late George and Pauline Barna Willson. He was a graduate of Taylor High School, and proudly served his country during the Korean conflict with the United States Army. Bill served as Master of Acacia Lodge 579 F&AM in 1986, 1990 and 2007 and so valued his brothers and their calling to help others. He was a member of the Taylor United Methodist Church for about 80 years, was in the choir, involved in the activities of the church and loved his church family. Bill was an active member of the Taylor Senior Center for many years and enjoyed his friends and the activities there immensely. Bell Mountain was the residence for 60 years and Bill was blessed with so many loving friends and neighbors. He worked and retired from the Sandvik Steel Co.

Bill had a wonderful life. He was a loving husband and father. Bill had personal characteristics and some life events we believe were very special. He built the home his children were raised in while working 8-, 12- and 16-hour days for much of his working life. He resided in his home with David until his passing.

Bill's work ethic was impeccable. He had an incredibly busy family and work life yet always had time to help others, especially when he could use his mechanical gifts to help. Despite so many physical challenges over the last 30 years, Bill remained very positive and continued to help others whenever possible.

He was adventurous too. He helped his brother Fred build a cabin cruiser that became a very special part of the family's childhood at Lake Wallenpaupack. Bill and his brother were also avid skiers in their younger years. Together they restored a 1946 Ercoupe and both got their solo pilot licenses. Bill and his wife were once members of a motorcycle touring club and went on a few great cruises as well. Bill was able to see the restoration of his 1932 Model T and then be taken for a ride in it through the valley.

He was incredibly impacted by his flight to Russia to be with his daughter Susan for the process of adopting two beautiful girls. Susan also gave her dad Jessica, who was the best mountain biking, skiing, rollerblading, cross-country skiing partner a grandpa could have. Bill loved hunting and fishing and most of these experiences occurred with his son, Tim. These experiences provided many beautiful memories for us all. Bill's eldest son, William J., and daughter, Susan, gave him so many gifts through their children. Bill was so proud to be at family gatherings with all the kids.

Still, the most treasured thoughts about Bill revolve around his Christian faith. Bill led a life well-lived. Our family has been truly blessed and we treasure the memories and legacy our father has left us. We know when Bill crossed over he heard the words every Christian longs to hear: "Well done thou good and faithful servant."

Also surviving are three sons, William J. and wife, Carole, of Daleville; Timothy and wife, Debby, of Scranton; and David, Dickson City, who was his caregiver; daughter, Susan Gieski and husband, Robert, of Jackson, Missouri; brother, Fred and his wife, Rose, of Taylor; and his best friends and cousins, Teddy and Nancy Jones of Taylor. Bill had many loving nieces, nephews, grandchildren, great grandchildren, step-grandchildren and step-great-grandchildren.

Also preceding Bill in death were two grandchildren, Jessica and Bryan.

There will be a celebration of life service at a later date to be announced.

The family asks all who are touched by Bill's life to do an act of kindness for an elderly family member, friend, neighbor or stranger. He was a loving compassionate man and we know this would touch him deeply. Bill was also a supporter of the Shriners Hospitals for Children. Should anyone wish to make a donation: Shriners Hospitals for Children, 3551 N. Broad St., Philadelphia, PA 19140 or at LovetotheRes cue.org.

Arrangements by Jacob Davis Funeral Home, 422 S. Main St., Taylor, PA.