Bill Riley Wilson

William Riley Wilson “Bill”, 54 of Savannah, passed away on the morning of October 29 after a courageous two-year battle against pancreatic cancer.

A native of Jacksonville, Florida, and a graduate of Georgia Southern University (BA History) and American University (MA History), Bill taught at St. Vincent's Academy for eight years, where he found his true purpose in life and served as head of the Social Studies Department. Asked once what mercy meant to him, he answered, "To me mercy means that anything and everything is possible," and he lived that belief every day. He took the time to know students by name even if they never sat in his classroom, brightening their day between classes with a quick hello or a bit of humor. He led the Adventures Unlimited Club, served as assistant rifle coach, and earned the title King of Chess. Colleagues cherished his clever, understated humor and his gift for bringing history to life, and students looked forward to spotting him pedaling to campus each morning and enjoying the apples and bananas he always had at the ready. Signs of his thoughtfulness and giving nature remain throughout the school and in the homes of those he touched, and even while in the hospital, his heart and his conversation always returned to SVA.

Bill met his illness with courage and good humor, and he remained devoted to the people he loved to the very end, whether that meant an afternoon of board games or baking his famous pound cake for any special occasion. He loved Free Fried Chicken Fridays along with his Old Fashioned with two cherries at The Rail Pub, where he was a favorite among the regulars and could always be counted on for great conversation and a well-timed one-liner. His Saturdays were often spent at Over Yonder, soaking up old school country music. Those who knew him will remember his warmth, his open heart, and his rare ability to make everyone around him feel valued and at home.

Bill's greatest joy was his marriage to Lisa. Their love was the kind others noticed and remembered, shining through in the warmth they shared with friends, the time and attention they gave so freely to the people they loved, and the way they faced everyday side by side. Through his final months, Lisa cared for him with tireless devotion, and their love carried them both to the very end. Friends who knew them saw a love that was deep and genuine, and it remains the heart of the legacy he leaves behind. Bill was immensely proud of his son, Wyatt, 22, a student at the University of Georgia, and loved nothing more than seeing the young man he has become.

He was preceded in death by his mother, Janice Yarborough, his father, William Riley Wilson; and his stepfather, Riley Yarborough. He is survived by his loving wife of ten years, Lisa Denmark; his son, Wyatt Wilson; his brother, Brian Wilson (Lacey); his aunts, Patricia "TC" Barton (Bob), Barbara Watkins, his uncle Curtis Wilson and many cousins. He also leaves behind the extended family he gained through marriage, including Kathy Dasher, her sons Michael (Rebecca) and David, Susan Lott (Forrest) and their children Ashley Baumann (Matt), Jared (Jessica) and Alex Lott. He also treasured his beloved grand-niece Addison Baumann and grand-nephew Brooks Lott.

In lieu of flowers, please donate in Bill’s memory to St. Vincent’s Academy, 207 E. Liberty Street, Savannah, Georgia, 31401.

The visitation will be on Sunday, November 1, 2026 from 5 p.m. until 7 p.m. at the funeral home.  

The graveside funeral and burial will be on Monday, November 2, 2026 at 1:00 p.m. at Oak Hill Cemetery located at the end of Oconee Street in Meldrim, GA.

Thomas C. Strickland & Sons Funeral Home - West Chatham chapel - 901 West Highway 80, Pooler, GA - 912-748-2444