Rev. Dr. Will Ira Wilson

O Taste and see that the Lord is good; blessed is the man that trusted in Him. Psalm 34:8 The Reverend Dr. W. Ira Wilson was born January 6, 1940 in Aliceville, AL. to the union of Mr. Ira Lee Wilson and Mrs. Bessie Mae Wilson (both deceased). He accepted Christ and was baptized in his youth at New Canaan Baptist Church. He was actively involved in various churches as he traveled in pursuit of his education; earning several degrees, including a PhD in chemistry and Chemical engineering; earning degrees at several prestigious colleges and Universities, most notable, Notre Dame University. He taught High School several years, then moved on to the Research arena. He worked as a Research Scientist at Argonne National Laboratory for fourteen years, on to Roy F. Weston Scientific Division, then on to Lockheed Martin as Senior Scientist and Team Manager, until taking early retirement in 2001. He served in many capacities in the Baptist Churches, including Deacon, both in Alabama and also after moving to Illinois. He later united with the AME church and after accepting his call from God to preach; he was licensed and ordained October 20, 1991. After studying at Bethany & Payne theological Seminaries, he served as Associate Pastor and Pastor in several African Methodist Episcopal Churches in the Chicago, IL Metropolitan areas. In May of 2002, after taking early retirement from Lockheed, he and his wife, Doris relocated to Clarksville, TN and reunited with the Baptist Church. He served faithfully as Associate Pastor while there. In December 2015, he and his wife made another move to Alabama; the state of their birth. He departed this life May 1, 2025. He leaves to lovingly cherish his memory, a devoted wife, Doris, two sons, Henry "Hank" and Christopher "Chris"; their spouses Elissa and Lisa; also one daughter Valeria and several grandchildren, the youngest Diana and Adrian. He also leaves to fondly remember him, one sister, Ira Jean Butler and her spouse David, and many special friends. Celebration of Life will be held at 3:00PM at Cannan Baptist Church in Bessemer, Alabama on Friday, May 9, 2025. The Graveside Committal Service will be private. The family welcomes others to attend The Celebration of Life service.

Rev. Dr. Will Ira Wilson

January 6, 1940 - May 1, 2025