William Ray Wilson Sr.

William Ray Wilson Sr. “Big Daddy” of Sudlersville, MD, passed away on October 12, 2022. He was 80 years old. William Ray Wilson, Sr., was born April 15, 1942, in LaFollette, TN, the son of the late Mary Jones and stepfather Jack Jones. Ray was raised by his late grandparents, Charles and Jenny Hood. He graduated from Jacksboro, High School in 1960. He was married to the late Bernadette Wilson on January 4, 1964, and had three children together, raising them in Pasadena, MD. Ray came to Baltimore, MD and held down two jobs working with Baltimore Gas & Electric and worked in a Radio Electronics store at night. In June of 1964, he got involved with Marine Radios and C.B. Radios, working at night and weekends. In July of 1973, he bought Glen Marine Products in Glen Burnie, MD, and this is where his life started to grow. In 1973, he took his business to the Eastern Shore in Cambridge, MD, where he opened another Glen Marine Products store. In 1974, he bought Big Daddy’s Quick Snack on Kent Island, and opened another Glen Marine Products next to the Quick Snack. In 1978, he purchased the first Big Daddy’s 301 Texaco Gas Station at Thompson Creek Rd. This was the first convenient store/gas station on Kent Island. He sold gas at this time at 58.9 cents per gallon. If he did not have what you wanted, he would get it for you. He also sold fishing equipment, guns, and ammunition. He sold the famous half smoke & polish sausage that people would come from all over to get. When the gas shortage happened, he would turn the lights out at night to take care of the people needing to go to work. On New Years Eve 1979, he bought the second Big Daddy’s 301 Texaco Gas Station on Castle Marina Rd. He had a fleet of tow trucks to be able to tow for the Bay Bridge, State Police, Sheriff's Department, and so many locals on Kent Island. His dedication to helping so many people over 30 years has made him a legend on Kent Island. In 2004, he retired to enjoy his pride and joy “Fools Gold” his fishing boat that he had built. He would take family and friends on fishing trips and truly enjoyed being on the water. He enjoyed spending time with his family and friends, especially eating crabs. Ray was a member of the American Legion Post 278, Elks Lodge, Moose Lodge, and a member of the Mason’s since April 15, 1969. He leaves behind his three children, William Ray Wilson Jr. (Sharon), Alesia Dawn Morgan (Billy Showe), and Michele Wilson Kehs (James); grandchildren, Joey, Lauren, Courtney, Melissa, Colton, Caitlyn, Jarrett, Tiffany (Jake), Christopher, Lydia, Hailee (Austin), Jeremy, Jessica; Shawn (Todd), Greg (Heather), Bobby Jo, Dee Dee, Chris, and Scott; great-grandchildren, Isabell, Chelsea, Grayson, and Liam; brother, Gary (Dottie) Jones; sisters, Jackie Austin-Wiltsee, and Brenda (Dennis) Elliott; and the late MaryLou Austin, John Paul Jones, Donald Ernest Jones. Ray had many friends, but two very dear friends whom were more like a son and daughter to him, Doby and Linda Millington. A service will be held at Fellows, Helfenbein & Newnam Funeral Home in Chester, MD, on Monday, October 17, 2022 at 10am with a visitation to be held on Sunday, October 16, 2022 from 2pm-4pm and 6pm-8pm. The burial to follow the service on Monday will be held at Glen Haven Memorial Park. The service will be live-streamed for those who cannot attend. A link will be shared at the start of the service. In lieu of flowers, contributions can be sent to the American Legion Post 278, 800 Romancoke Rd, Stevensville, MD 21666. “Big Daddy the Working Man’s Friend”

William Ray Wilson Sr.

April 15, 1942 - October 12, 2022