Every day, as we move through life, it’s easy to see somebody and assume one aspect of their life is all there is to them. Students often encounter Willie L. Wilson, or Mr. Wilson, as the jolly lunch server in the main cafeteria who calls everybody his friend. What people may not know is that he is a master electrician.
“I love it, “ Mr. Wilson said. “I have a passion for it.”
It is a skill that was passed on in his family. It was taught to him by his uncles, who were also electricians. This early indoctrination will shape Mr. Wilson for the rest of his life.
“My uncles were military men in West Virginia, and at the age of ten, I knew how to do wiring [because of them],” Mr Wilson said.
Mr. Wilson also has another interesting profession. He was an EMT paramedic. Most students are unaware that they see a hero Monday through Friday at lunch.
“I am a retired EMT paramedic,” Mr. Wilson said. “This [being a cook and bus driver] is something extra to do for my play money.”
Mr. Wilson has a lot of experience. He spent 12 years as an EMT paramedic. Mr. Wilson also graduated with a 4.0 with an electrical engineering degree, plus he also served his country.
“12 years, co-captain of base 97…,” Mr. Wilson said with a grin. “When I go home to West Virginia, they roll out the red carpet for me”.
Mr. Wilson is also a devoted member of his church, along with his brother.
“I’m an evangelist,” Mr. Wilson said. “My brother is a minister. We’re Pentecostal. We’ve been in church 37 years, yeah? We grew up in the church”.
Mr. Wilson works at Woodward because he enjoys it, not because he needs to.
“I like you guys, y’all my friends,” Mr. Wilson said. “I love what I’m doing. I’m enjoying life, as if it’s golden”.
Despite his retirement from being an EMT, Mr. Wilson doesn’t plan to give up Woodward anytime soon. He plans on staying here for years to come.
“As long as God gives me the strength to come every morning,” Mr. Wilson said.
