William Ray Wilson

William Ray "Bill" Wilson, 77, of Jefferson City, passed away on Wednesday, December 2, 2015, at University Hospital in Columbia. He was born on March 14, 1938, in Gerald, Missouri, the son of Fred and Irma (Cameron) Wilson, both of whom preceded him in death. He was married on July 9, 1998, in Lake Tahoe, Nevada to Linda Didier-Chambers who survives at the home. He was a 1956 graduate of New Haven High School. While there he was a standout member of the basketball team which from 1956-1959 won four consecutive Class S State Titles and boasted an overall record of 130-9. During that span, they were undefeated against all Class S opponents, posting 57 wins. They were the first team in Missouri to score 100 points in a state playoff game. As part of the team he was elected to the Missouri Sports Hall of Fame in Springfield in 2012. He enjoyed anything outdoors and working with his hands, and spending time with family. He was a past member of the Elks Lodge and a member of Knights of Columbus Helias Council. He attended Westminster College; while there, he taught sign language at the School for the Deaf. He worked as a union electrician with the International Brotherhood of Electrical Workers. He worked many places with IBEW, including running spotlights for shows like the Ice Capades, as well as many other venues around mid-Missouri. He was a permit supervisor for the Missouri Highway and Transportation Department for over 43 years. After retirement from the Highway Department, he co-owned and operated Tri-Alert. He was Catholic by faith. Besides his wife Linda, he is survived by: one son, Mark Wilson and wife Paula of Columbia; one daughter, Paige Kampeter and husband Mike of Jefferson City; one stepdaughter, Kim Chambers of Jefferson City; five grandchildren: Kelsey and Dane Wilson; Brandon Kampeter; Trey Kampeter and wife Staci; and Claire Kampeter; one step-granddaughter, Cianne Chambers; two great-grandchildren: Axel and Reese; one sister: Angie (Wilson) Otto of Jefferson City; and one brother-in-law, Jim McDonald of Washington, Missouri. Besides his parents, he was preceded in death by one sister, Ida Mae (Wilson) McDonald; and one brother-in-law, Ralph Otto. Family will receive friends from 3:00 p.m. to 5:00 p.m. on Sunday, December 6, 2015, at Houser-Millard Funeral Chapel, with a Prayer Service at 2:15 p.m. Mass of Christian Burial will be held at 1:00 p.m. on Monday, December 7, 2015, at St. Peter Catholic Church, with Father Greg Meystrik celebrating Mass. Burial will be in Resurrection Cemetery. Expressions of sympathy may be made to the Missouri Department of Conservation, 2901 W. Truman Blvd., Jefferson City, MO 65109 or Choice of the Donor. Arrangements are under the direction of HOUSER-MILLARD Funeral Directors, 2613 West Main Street; Jefferson City, MO 65109. (573) 636-3838. Condolences may be left for the family online at www.millardfamilychapels.com