William Owen Wisdom

William Owen Wisdom, (Willie) 91, of Nogales, Arizona, passed away on December 10th, 2023.

Willie was born on September 16, 1932 to Howard O. Wisdom and Petra Gomez in Calabasas, Arizona. Willie met his future wife Sarah Chamberlain when they attended Nogales High School and graduated together in 1951. Willie enlisted in the US Navy where he served on the USS Higbee, during the Korean War.

After completing his term of service in the Navy, Willie returned to Nogales and married his high school sweetheart, Sarah on July 27, 1961. They moved to Tucson for a few years but returned to their hometown of Nogales and built a home across the road from Sarah’s parents. Willie and Sarah raised their two boys, Roland Owen and Wayne Norbert in the home they built together. They lived in their home for more than 60 years.

Willie served as a Deputy Sheriff with the Santa Cruz County Sheriff’s Department then spent the majority of his career as an Equipment Operator with Citizen’s Utilities/UniSource retiring in 1995. After retiring Willie and Sarah travelled and Willie opened his own small business- Willie’s Sharp-All. Willie was also an active member of the VFW Post 2066, and the American Legion where he served in the Honor Guard. As an Assistant Boy Scout leader for many years Willie taught hundreds of boys useful skills.

Willie will join his father Howard, mother Petra, brothers Howard and Jesse, and sister Jennibelle Castillo in heaven. He is survived by his brother Herbert, sister Linda Wisdom and son Roland, Roland’s spouse Osmer Contreras and son Wayne, Wayne’s wife Aurelie Flores and their children Isaac, Isabelle, and Aurelie. Willie loved and was amused by his numerous nieces and nephews.

Willie was an amazingly strong, hard-working and self-reliant man. He lived a full life and his endearing chuckle will be held in the hearts of all who loved him.