Obituary of William Lowell Wilson
William “Bill” Lowell Wilson., age 81, of Palm Bay, Fla., passed away on February 9th, 2024.
He was born on April 17, 1942, in Nebo, Illinois.
Bill was preceded in death by his wife Elsa Wilson.
He is survived by his daughter Rebecca Ann Tyree of Orlando, FL, son William “Robert” Wilson of Palm Bay, FL, and 5 grandchildren Austin Tyree of Orlando, FL, Madelyn Wilson, Makenzie Wilson, Caitlin Brierton, and Jared Morris of Palm Bay, FL.
Bill had a thirst for life that could never be satisfied. After growing up in Homestead, Fla., he went his way to Frankfurt, Germany. There he met his wife Elsa. They were married over 50 years. Returning to the states he took a job from Boeing Company on the Space Coast of Florida, working with them on the Apollo space program. Settling in Rockledge, FL, his life would change forever when a water softener salesman knocked on his door to sell him a water treatment system. He ended up buying not only the water system but the entire company. On January 1, 1973 he purchased R&S Softwater Service Inc. In 50 short years he took the company to heights most entrepreneurs only dream of. Along the way he became a pillar in the local community. “Giving back to the community,” was not just a saying to him. He lived, preached, and practiced it……everyday. Bill also enjoyed the fruits of his hard work. He became an avid golfer and was part of a group named the " Fearsome Foursome.” He traditionally would start a match off by asking, “Where is the first tee and what is the course record.”
Anyone that met and talked with Bill felt they had a true friend in him. This was his gift. If you were with him, you always had a good time. His laughter was legendary. He will be missed by so many…….for so many different reasons.
These are just a few of his accolades/awards presented to him over the years:
Paul Harris Fellow Rotary Club
Auxiliary Officer Cocoa Police Department
1988 Small Business of the Year
Past president The Greater South Brevard Chamber of Commerce
Past president Palm Bay Area Chamber of Commerce
Past president South Brevard Shrine Club
Member Masonic Lodge #397 of Palm Bay
Member Azan Shine Temple
Member Palm Bay Moose Lodge
Member Palm Bay Elks
Director Emeritus Azan Shrine
Numerous national/state awards pertaining to R&S Softwater Service Inc. being a leader/pioneer in the industry.
Local sponsorships of athletic teams, Youth and high schools over 50 years.
A funeral service will be held Sunday April 7, 2024 with a reception 1:00 pm and a funeral at 2:00 pm with celebration of life immediately afterwards. All will be held at the Azan Shrine Temple, located at 1591 West Eau Gallie Blvd, Melbourne FL, 32935.
In lieu of flowers, dontaions can be made to the Azan Shrine Temple at the address above.