Wilson England

Wilson “Junior” England, 83 years of Portage, MI, formerly of Monroe, MI, went home to be with the Lord on Thursday, April 11, 2013 at Bronson Methodist Hospital in Kalamazoo, MI. Born August 22, 1929 in Claiborne County, TN, Wilson was the son of the late William and Hattie (Massingill) England. Wilson moved to Monroe as a young man from Claiborne County. On September 1, 1956 in LaSalle, MI, Wilson married his beloved wife, the former Hazel Roberts. Sadly, she preceded him in death on November 11, 2009 after 55 years of marriage. Wilson was employed for 41 years at the Detroit-Toledo Shoreline, Grand Trunk Railroad from which he retired in 1991. Wilson enjoyed woodworking projects, crafts, making homemade jelly, and spending winters in Florida. More than anything Wilson enjoyed spending time with his family especially hunting and fishing with his grandchildren. Wilson is survived by three loving children: Glen England of St. Petersburg, FL, Lora (Donald) Stiffler of Mosheim, TN, and Beverly (Ronald, Jr.) Snyder of Portage, MI, four cherished grandchildren: Ronnie (Stefanie) Snyder III, Emmylou (Jay) Mitchell, Dustin Snyder, and Will (Nikki) Stiffler, two treasured great grandchildren: Aden Herrera and Demitri Stiffler with Baby Snyder on the way, two step granddaughters: Jennifer Stiffler and Sarah Stiffler, six step great grandchildren: Brent Stiffler, Malaysia and Justin Dotson, Mitchell Stiffler, Audrey Mulkey, and Aiden Cuellar and two sisters: Ruby Mustard of Tazewell, TN and Dorothy Brooks of Ewing, VA. In addition to his parents and beloved wife, Wilson was preceded in death by two brothers: Frank and Ott and one sister: Mossie Daniels. Visitation will be held on Sunday from 2-7 PM in the Bacarella Funeral Home, 1201 S. Telegraph Rd., in Monroe where funeral services celebrating his life will be held Monday, April 15, 2013 at 11:00 AM. The Rev. Roy Southerland, pastor of Monroe Missionary Baptist Church will officiate. Interment will follow at Roselawn Memorial Park. Memorial contributions are suggested to Bronson Methodist Hospital in Kalamazoo, MI.