| Graduation Year | Class of 1948 |
| Date of Passing | Apr 28, 2013 |
| About | William W "Bill" Wilson, 83 of Zanesville, died Sunday, April 28, 2013, at his vacation home in Port Clinton, Ohio. He was born Thursday, April 17, 1930 in Zanesville, the son of the late William M. Wilson and Marcia I. (Chalfant) Wilson. He married Nancy (Mast) Wilson on Saturday, November 4, 1995 and was Catholic by faith. Bill had a passion for life and learning and helping people. He started as a photo developer in his very early years and photography became a life-long interest and hobby, as well as part of his many entrepreneurial businesses. He had a love of chemistry which developed into many business enterprises. In the 1950's he began experimenting with candles and scents in his basement, which led to the Lumi-Lite Candle Company of Norwich, Ohio, best known worldwide for its Original Cake Candle. He retired from the company in 1995 as owner and operator. Along the way, he also owned Celebration Fireworks Company which provided many firework exhibitions around Ohio, including the dedication of the new Y-Bridge in 1984. Fireworks were a great love and his personal 4th of July fireworks displays for his many friends and family were a thrill and a source of many wonderful memories. Despite facing many health problems in his later years, his desire for learning and developing new things never slowed down. He loved entertaining people and event-planning at their winter-home park in Bradenton, Florida as well as making and selling great chocolate candies, jewelry and beautiful photos on canvas. Bill made deep friendships wherever he went and influenced lives in many quietly profound ways. He will be greatly missed. Bill is survived by his wife of the home; one son: Michael (Yvonne) Wilson of San Diego, CA; four daughters: Mickey (John) Skarr of Bradenton, FL., Marti (Kent Schrock) Downey of Poway, CA., Jan Wilson of Bradenton, FL and Jody (Carl) Christinsen of Bradenton, FL; one step-daughter: Tina (Mike Nelson) Bales of Norwich; five grandchildren and two great-granddaughters; a brother: Thomas (Charlene) Wilson of Nacogdoches, TX; several nieces, nephews, sisters & brothers-in-law and many close special friends including: Mark Englehart of Zanesville. Friends may call 2:00 to 4:00 and 6:00 to 8:00 PM, Thursday May 2, 2013 at The Hillis, Combs & Nestor Funeral Home, 935 Forest Avenue and one hour prior to services from 10:00 to 11:00 AM on Friday. Funeral Services will be held11:00 AM Friday at the funeral home with Fr. Martin J. Ralko officiating. Burial will follow in Mount Olive Cemetery |
