William Gene Wilcox

William Gene “Bill” Wilcox, age 82, of Grants Pass, died Wednesday, June 11, 2008 at Highland House Nursing & Rehabilitation Center.

A Memorial Service will be at 11:00 a.m., Wednesday, June 18, 2008 at Parkway Christian Center with Pastor Ron Marsh officiating. Private interment will be at Eagle Point National Cemetery.

William was born on June 8, 1926 in Rapid City South Dakota. He graduated from Jefferson High School, in Portland, Oregon. He served in the United States Army as a cook. Upon his completion of duty, he returned to Portland where he attended college for two years. In February of 1951 Bill’s best friend, Bob McMahon introduced him to Violet June Sams. They dated, fell in love and were married on July 14, 1951 in Pasadena, California. In 1992 they moved from Glendora, California to Grants Pass.

He was a member of Parkway Christian Center.

He volunteered as a Boys Brigade Leader at Grace Baptist Church

His hobbies included writing, gardening and traveling.

In addition to his wife, Violet June Wilcox, of Grants Pass, survivors include son, Thomas William Wilcox of Camden, Missouri; daughter, Jennifer Lynn Middlesteter of Rancho Cucamonga, California; son Kevin Gene Wilcox of Renton, Washington; daughter, Kathleen June McIntire of Santa Fe Springs, California; son, Joseph Randall Wilcox of Los Angeles, California; 16 grandchildren and 13 great-grandchildren.

He was preceded in death by a daughter, Sheri Starr Bondehagen.