William Wilson Jr.'s Obituary
Surrounded by family, Bill passed peacefully on Tuesday, September 30, 2025, at St. Francis Hospital in Tulsa, Oklahoma — closing out the quarter like a true CPA.
Born May 3, 1943, in St. Louis, Missouri, to William “Bill” Wilson Sr. and Marion Wilson, Bill married the love of his life, Shirley (Rupe) Wilson, on June 26, 1964, in Tulsa.
He graduated from Rogers High School in Tulsa and attended the University of Tulsa before beginning a 20+ year career in the furniture industry. After his business closed, Bill returned to school at age 39 and earned a bachelor’s degree in Accounting from Langston University via UCAT (University Center at Tulsa). After passing the CPA exam, his entrepreneurial spirit led him to establish Wilson & Company CPAs. He retired professionally and proudly wore his 30 yr member CPA pin to many family gatherings.
A lifelong resident of Tulsa and its suburbs, Bill was deeply involved in the local soccer community. He earned his “D” coaching license, officiated games and — most enthusiastically — “unofficially” coached and refereed from the sidelines during his grandchildren’s matches, which he loved passionately.
Bill also enjoyed golfing, a good cigar, Celtic music, OU football, and cheering on the OKC Thunder — 2025 NBA Champions. He was a member of John Knox Presbyterian Church in his younger years, Trinity Presbyterian Church while raising his children, and St. James Presbyterian Church later in life. He founded the St. James Music Endowment Fund and found great joy in the church’s music and musicals. He was especially skilled at humming along.
Above all, Bill cherished his family. If you knew Bill, you knew his family. He was lovingly known for proudly sharing stories about his grandchildren. Every holiday, birthday, graduation, and milestone was celebrated — always with loved ones and delicious food, often planned by Bill himself. And whenever one of his dear ones stumbled, he was there with unconditional love and support.
Bill was preceded in death by his parents, Bill, Sr. and Marion Wilson; his sister, Betty Boyd; sister-in-law, Barbara Baker; brothers-in-law, Don Brown, OE Boyd, and Gerald Rupe; niece Katie Boyd; and nephew Phillip Boyd.
He is survived by his beloved wife, Shirley Wilson; children Lori (Wilson) Sprouse and husband Gordon, Marti (Wilson) Zwahlen, and William “Bill” Wilson III and wife Jennifer; grandchildren Andrew Sprouse and wife Jayme, Katie (Sprouse) Dowdell and husband Gabe, Anna (Wilson) Brenner and husband Ethan, Grace Wilson, and Jack Ticer; great-
granddaughter Charlotte Kay Dowdell; sister, Kathy Brown; sister-in-law Joyce Rupe, and many cherished nieces, nephews, cousins, friends, and Patrick Ticer (Jack’s father).
A celebration of Bill’s life will be held on Friday, October 10, 2025, at 10 a.m. at St. James Presbyterian Church in Jenks, Oklahoma. A luncheon — Bill always loved sharing a meal — will follow the service. A private family burial will take place at 2 p.m. at Hogan Cemetery in Locust Grove, Oklahoma. Rev Cathy Hamrick will officiate.
In lieu of flowers, contributions may be made to the St. James Music Endowment Fund, 11970 S. Elm, Jenks, OK 74037, in memory of Bill Wilson.
“Dance, then, wherever you may be. I am the Lord of the dance, said he. And I’ll lead you all, wherever you may be, And I’ll lead you all in the dance, said he.”
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