To everything there is a season and a time to every purpose under the heaven"  Ecclesiastes 3:1

A Time To Be Born …

William Beacher Wilson, affectionately known as Sam, was born August 8, 1935 in Franklin County, North Carolina.   He was the fourth of five children born to the union of the late Leroy Jasper Wilson and Mary Lee "Mamie" Ellis Wilson.

A Time To Die . . .

Early Friday, October 31, 2025 while at MedStar Washington Hospital Center, Sam answered his call to eternal rest.  Waiting for him are his wife, Hattie Mickles Wilson; his parents, Leroy and Mamie Ellis Wilson, his brother, Otha; baby sister, Mabel; and many other relatives and friends.

A Time To Plant . . .

At an early age, Sam accepted Christ as his personal Lord and  Savior and joined the Hickory Grove Baptist Church in Franklin County, North Carolina.  He was educated in the Franklin County School System and received his high school diploma from The Franklin County Training School in 1953.  After graduation, he moved to Washington, DC to explore better opportunities.

A Time To Heal and A Time To Build . . .

Bringing with him from North Carolina to Washington, DC was his deep faith in God and his love for others.  In searching to build his spiritual growth, Sam united with the Canaan Baptist Church under the pastorate of the late Rev. M. Cecil Mills.   He remained a faithful member of Canaan until his health began to decline.   While at Canaan, he was a member of the St. John's Family and a dedicated member of the Usher Board.  He also participated in Bible Study, the Tuesday Feeding Ministry, Finance Ministry, Bus Ministry and the Seniors on The Move Ministry.

Sam was employed by Woodward and Lothrop, later becoming Hechts and Macy's, as a shipping and receiving clerk for many years.  He also worked part-time for the U.S. General Services Administration (GSA).  He did many odd/volunteer jobs such as cutting grass, maintenance repair and taking persons to do their errands.  He is loved and remembered for generously loaning his pickup truck to countless friends and family members.

Sam was united in holy matrimony to Hattie Mickles in 1961 and together they shared 54 years  before her passing in 2015.   He was an avid sports fan, constantly cheering for his beloved Washington Redskins/Commanders.

A Time To Weep…and A Time To Mourn . . .

Left with loving memories and grateful hearts for having known him are:  his sisters, Mrs. Lucy Pearl Massenburg of Louisburg, NC and Mrs. Mamie Ruth Whitaker of Washington, DC; his nieces, Dr. Marcella Atwater, Mrs. Barbara Green, Ms. Felecia Massenburg and Ms. Wanda Kay Massenburg; nephews, Dr. Aaron T. Whitaker, Mr. Gevel Massenburg, Rev. Charles Whitaker (Cheryl), and Mr. Larry Massenburg (Althea); and many other relatives and friends