Wilson Lee Hobbs

Wilson Lee Hobbs, of Clarksville, MD, passed away on June 15, 2018 after a short illness. He had been living with his daughter-in-law in Bethlehem, PA.

Wilson (Will) was born on October 26, 1927 in Howard County, MD to parents Charles W. Hobbs and Sophia Eleanor (Cissel) Hobbs and was the youngest of 7 children. He was predeceased by his sisters, Mary, Kathryn, Betty, Sally, Frances and Peggy. His sisters adored Will and he missed them and spoke of them often. Wilson served in the United States Army towards the end of WWII in 1944 and 1945.

In 1960, Will along with his brother-in-law, Wes Estes, bought American Safe and Lock of Washington, DC. He eventually became sole owner until he sold the business in approximately 1983 which became the cornerstone of Safemasters in Silver Spring, MD where Will remained Vice-President until approximately 1997.

Will married the love of his life, Shirley Louise Bailey in February of 1950. They had 3 children, Gregory, Sandra and Michael. Great tragedy struck when they lost their son, Gregory at age 8 and their daughter, Sandra, at age 11 when they succumbed to a rare disease called Wilsons Disease. Will and Louise, through their religious devotion and beliefs, the tremendous love and support of family and each other and their overwhelming love for their son, Michael, overcame their heartbreak and created a wonderful and joyous life.

They drew a steadfast strength from the congregation at Mount Zion United Methodist Church, where Will was a devoted Choir member for 40 years and from their 5 acre homestead in Clarksville, MD which they lovingly tended and created a beautiful, peaceful sanctuary. One of their passions was a devotion to the joy of the Christmas season and their home overflowed with exquisite and whimsical decorations that they created including an Elf tableau that had been featured in the Baltimore Sun newspaper. Will and Louise also greatly enjoyed travel and golf which they continued into their 80s. Will was a devoted fan of the Washington Redskins and Baltimore Orioles which gave him an enjoyable pastime after the passing of his beloved wife in August of 2015.

Will and Louise were predeceased in March, 2013 by their last surviving child, Michael D. Hobbs, devoted husband of Karen B. Hobbs and father of their only grandchild, Michael B. Hobbs who gave tremendous joy to his Grandparents. He is survived by his daughter-in-law and grandson and many wonderful nieces and nephews.

A graveside service will be held at 1 p.m. on Wednesday, June 20, 2018 at Mount Zion United Methodist Church Cemetery, 12430 Scaggsville Rd. Highland, MD 20777.

Memorial contributions may be made to Wilsons Disease Association, 1732 First Ave. #20043, New York, NY 10128.

Funeral HomeConnell Funeral Home, Inc.
245 East Broad St.
Bethlehem PA - 18018
US
610-868-8531