William Thomas Wilson

Bill Wilson, 87, of Santee, passed away peacefully on Saturday, June 20, 2026, at his son's home in El Cajon California, with his family by his bedside.

He was born on the Winter Solstice, December 21, 1938, in Grass Valley, Northern California. The eldest of three sons born to Kathleen Wilson and Pete Wilson; Bill, Jerry, and Robert. They grew up in Fletcher Hills and all the boys attended Grossmont High School. Bill graduated in 1956 and shortly thereafter started working for JCPenney. Bill worked for the company for 30 years before going into business with his father at Maxine’s in North Park, CA.

Bill is survived by his long-time partner Betty Chapman whom he loved and cherished. They created memories together for over 20 years. He is also survived by his younger brother Jerry D. Wilson, his daughter Carla Renee Gravley, his son Jerry A. Wilson, daughter-in-law Mary Wilson, and granddaughters Hailey Wilson and Morgan Wilson.

His love of horse racing was born from his father, who owned racehorses in the 1950s and 60s. The Del Mar Racetrack was frequented by Bill as he loved to pass on his passions to his family. Teaching his granddaughters how to read the sports book and taking them down to the paddock to see the horses up close before placing their bets.

Bill also loved sports, and played on his high school baseball and basketball teams. He passed that love onto his granddaughters. Where he attended every one of their games, traveling across the country to cheer and support.

Bill will be deeply missed by all who knew and loved him.