William F. (Sonny) Wiland

CLARKSBURG - William F. (Sonny) Wiland, 79, of West Pike Street, Clarksburg, and formerly of the Knottsville community, near Grafton, passed away unexpectedly, Friday morning March 20, 2015, at his home.
He was born on March 30, 1936 in Viropa, WV in a coal company house to his mother Miss Edith Mackey. He was given the gift of adoption by his parents, Mr. and Mrs. Clyde and Margaret Wiland on March 11, 1937, and was raised on their family farm in Knottsville. He is survived by his son and caregiver, Hobert (Sam) Wiland, and his partner Timothy McConnell of Clarksburg, and a step son Michael Todd Reed of Beckley. He was preceded in death by his parents, as well as his beloved grandparents, Mr. and Mrs. Russell Ludwick, along with several aunts, uncles, and cousins. He was also preceded in death by his former wife Maxine Wiland McMahon.
Sonny attended Knottsville Grade School which he saw being built as a child sitting in Mr. Wilson's lawn at the corner of the intersection. He then attended Grafton High School where he was a member of the Future Farmers of America, and still had the cap he wore then. He loved everything to do with farming, plowing gardens, to putting up hay for his family and neighbors.
He graduated from Heavy Equipment School in Homestead, Florida, and was employed in glass factories in several states, including Connecticut, New Jersey, Pennsylvania, and West Virginia. In his spare time he loved going to cattle auctions and flea markets. You could find Sonny looking for antique wringer washing machines in the day and playing Santa Claus for several families and friends that evening. Sonny was a Christian and loved his Lord. Before he became ill, he was a member of the Knottsville United Methodist Church. Sonny never met a stranger, and always ended his conversations with God Bless You. He was thoughtful, funny, and always caring. Throughout his life Sonny put a lot of smiles on many faces. He showed attention to and cared about the least among us, usually children. They loved him.
Sonny's family is grateful for his devoted caregivers, Angelia Boyles, Mary Layfield, Darla McCann, and Pat Davisson. In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions can be made to the Harrison County Meals on Wheels Program which served him well.
Family will receive friends will be received at Knottsville United Methodist Church, Knottsville, WV, on Tuesday, March 24, 2015 from 1:00pm until time of service at 2:00pm with Reverend Dan Lowther and Lay Minister Jimmy Arnold officiating. Private inurnment will follow at Knottsville Cemetery. Online condolences may be sent to DavisFuneralHomeWV.com. Davis Funeral Home is honored to be assisting the Wiland family

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