William Howard Wilder, Jr.

William Howard Wilder Jr passed away peacefully on August 20, 2020 in his home in Smyrna, Ga under the care of his loving wife, Robin. Contrary to stereotypes of white southern men, William Wilder (Bill), was a man that loved and honored all people regardless of race, national origin, or financial status. He had a special talent for language, speaking Spanish as well as he spoke his native language, English. He genuinely loved all people, and led many people to salvation. He was born to William and Eunice Wilder on January 5, 1936 and was raised in Atlanta, Ga. He graduated from Toccoa Falls College in 1962 with a degree in Theology. Upon graduation, he joined the Central America Mission and moved to Managua, Nicaragua to build a Bible college and spread the word of salvation. In 1971, he returned to his home town, Atlanta, Ga eventually joining the Metropolitan Atlanta Transit Authority, where he was a bus driver for 22 years following in the steps of his father and grandfather. After retiring from Marta, he resumed his role in ministry by witnessing to women in prison and supporting local Hispanic churches as an Associate Pastor. He was married to Dorothy Sue Quinn Wilder Holcombe in 1954, and is survived by their five children; William Stephen Wilder 65, Jeffery Howard Wilder 64, Barbara Ann Wilder Moore Mullins Lane 61, Matthew Haney Wilder 55, and Dorothy (Dottie) Wilder Small 51. He has 12 grandchildren and 11 great grandchildren. He is also survived by a son, William Howard Wilder III 45 from a different marriage. In 2008, he married Robin Wilder and spent the last 12 years renewed in his faith and serving in the ministry. His services will be held at the Green Acres Baptist Church on September 6, 2020 at 3:00pm ET. It is located at 591 Pat Mell Rd SE, Smyrna, GA 30080. In response to COVID-19, masks are requested and will be provided if needed. The church is large and can accommodate social distancing.