WILLIAM ARTHUR WILSON Bill

Savannah, Georgia - Mr. Wilson passed away under the care of Hospice Savannah, Inc. at the home of his daughter, Savannah GA. He was cared for by his daughter, Kay Martin, son-in-law, Bud Martin and son, Scott Wilson. He was born in Cleveland, OH on October 8, 1917 to William Wilson and Margaret Lenz Wilson. His father was a great inspiration to him and made him aware of the importance of a good education.

While enrolled in night school at Case Institute of Technology Case Western Reserve in Cleveland, OH he was also enrolled in the machinist apprenticeship program during the day in which he achieved the trade of machinist. The engineering degree and his experience as a machinist proved to be very beneficial when he joined the Navy.

In 1942, he married his first wife, Betty M. Wilson and together they had four children.

In March 1944, he applied and received a direct commission as an Ensign in the U.S. Naval Reserve with orders to report to Oak Ridge, TN. In February 1945, he was assigned to the top secret Manhattan Project, and was told to report to only described as "West of the Mississippi". He was given instructions to report to the Los Alamos Ranch School for Boys. He arrived on the "hill" where he met Enrio Fermi and Edward Teller. It was then he discovered that he would be part of a very valuable team, the team to build the first Atomic Bomb. Upon arriving in Los Alamos he was led into Robert Oppenheimer's office and at which time Mr. Oppenheimer drew on the blackboard the theory of the implosion device also called the "Fat Man." To have his wife and two small children with him he received permission to camp at Vandalier National Forest Campground. Housing for his family was a tent with four cots and cooking was over an open fire. When he war ended the family was allowed to move into government housing in Los Alamos.

After the war, he continued to work for Los Alamos Scientific Laboratory and in 1952 moved to Amarillo, TX to work for Pantex Atomic Energy Commission. It was there he met Ernest Breech, executive VP of Ford Motor Company who asked him to work for Ford Motor Company.

In 1963 he married Alice E. Wilson and within six months of their marriage he was assigned to the International Division of Ford Motor Company. During his career with Ford Motor Company, they lived in Mexico, Brazil, Japan, and Argentina. After retiring from Ford in 1974, he moved to Tucson, AZ and continued to take consulting jobs for Ford. He began a new career in 1980 as a recruiter for Management Recruiters.

During his retirement years, he spent his time volunteering with Junior Achievement, St. Andrews Church, and taking care of his friends and neighbors by driving them to their appointments.

He loved music and enjoyed playing the piano and in his retirement years played the organ at nursing homes. Listening to music was one of his favorite past times.

In 2008, he moved to Savannah, GA to be near his daughter and son-in-law.

He is survived by his daughter, Katherine Kay W. Martin and her husband, Harlan Bud Martin of Savannah, GA; Gerald A. Wilson and his wife, Beverly Wilson, Parma OH; Scott K. Wilson and his wife, Sheila Wilson, Medina, OH; stepson, Joseph Mogor and his wife, Elaine Mogor, Wheaton, IL; eleven grandchildren and 16 great
grandchildren.

Predeceased by his first wife, Betty M. Wilson and second wife, Alice E. Wilson, son, William A. Wilson Jr., stepson, Albert Mogor and sister, Ruth Wilson Bye.

Mr. Wilson joined Wilmington Island Presbyterian Church after moving to Savannah. A Memorial Service will be at the church with the date and time to be announced.

Our sincere thanks to Hospice Savannah, Inc. for giving such helpful care, our church and Pastor Andy Meeker for always being there for us.

Any donations should be made to Wilmington Island Presbyterian Church, 450 Cromwell Rd., Savannah, GA 31410 or Hospice Savannah, Inc., P.O. Box 13190, Savannah, GA 31410.

Please sign our online guestbook at www.foxandweeks.com

Fox & Weeks Funeral Directors, Islands Chapel, Savannah, Georgia