William Benjamin Wilson

William Benjamin Wilson of St. Michaels, MD died from complications of an automobile accident on Tuesday, February 14, 2005 at Peninsula Regional Medical Center, Salisbury, MD. Born October 18, 1924 in Baltimore, MD, he was the son of the late William Benjamin, Sr. and Rebecca Campbell Wilson. Ben attended Towson High School and was a graduate of the University of Maryland at College Park where he was a member of the lacrosse team and President of the Kappa Alpha Fraternity. His college studies were interrupted by World War II, where he served in the China Burma India Theatre, parachuting into mountains and jungles with a search and rescue unit looking for downed planes and possible survivors. On July 2, 1955 he married the former Carol Mullikin. He worked for the State Highway Administration while attending law school at the University of Baltimore. After receiving his law degree he moved to Easton and joined the Oliver Mullikin law firm, where he remained until his retirement in 1991. Mrs. Wilson died February 19, 1990. While living in Easton and St. Michaels, he was an active member of the community, serving as President of Rotary International, a life member of Easton Elks Lodge B.P.O. #1622, a member of the Miles River Yacht Club, the St. Andrews Society, and an active member of The Talbot County Football League. He was a member of the Talbot County School Board during the difficult desegregation days. He was a longtime member of Christ Episcopal Church in St. Michaels. An avid gardener who enjoyed sharing his produce with others, he also had a passion for music and singing. Although he was born on the Western Shore of Maryland, Ben loved everything about the Eastern Shore, from “gunning” for waterfowl to sailing in log canoe races. Mr. Wilson is survived by two sons, James Benjamin Wilson of West Virginia, and Michael Smith Wilson of Florida; a daughter, Lauretta Wilson Hyatt of Cordova, MD; a sister, Margarey Ulman Ewing of Salisbury, MD; and grandchildren, Benjamin K. Hyatt, Dustin O. Hyatt, Sommer P. Hyatt, Jesse W. Brittingham, Kathryn C. Brittingham all of Easton, MD, Carol C. Wilson and Gina M. Wilson of WVA; four nieces, Anne Foley of CT, Kathe Ulman of Baltimore, MD, Peggi Kelly of Timonium, MD, and Sally Collier of VA; a nephew, James Ulman of Jarrettesville, MD; and many loving great nieces and nephews. He was predeceased by a brother, James Wilson. A memorial service will be held on Saturday, February 25, 2006 at 3:00 PM at Christ Church, St. Michaels. In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made to the American Heart Association, 501 Idlewild Ave., Easton, MD 21601 or the American Cancer Society, Talbot County Unit, PO Box 1306, Easton, MD 21601. Arrangements are by Fellows, Helfenbein and Newnam Funeral Home, P. A., Easton, MD.

William Benjamin Wilson

February 14, 2006