William W. Wild, 84, of Cumberland, RI and Aruba, beloved husband and best friend of Karline Wild (Lawrence), passed away on May 14, 2025. He was at home with the love of his life by his side. Born in Pawtucket, RI, he was the only child of James Wild & Alice Wild (Hardern), father to Jo-Ann Daday (Matthew), Traci Wild, Sheryl Grazado (Mark), and Gary Wild (Nicole). A devoted father and husband, Bill tirelessly worked two and sometimes three jobs, all so Karline could stay home and raise their family.

Bill leaves behind four beautiful grandchildren, Jack, Henry, Zoë, and Silanah. He adored them all beyond words and they filled his heart with joy and love. An avid water-skier, Bill owned a cherished boat, aptly named the Wild1, for 30 years. He loved sports, golfing (landing his first and only hole in one on June 24, 1993, at Chemawa C.C., 3rd hole, PAR 3, 133 yards, 8 Iron), and playing softball and hockey. In fact, Bill created and ran his own weekly hockey group, Wild's Wednesday Night Hockey, in 1969. The group ran for an impressive 33 years, and Bill refused to hang up his skates for good until he was 75.

He was a member of the Mount Moriah Lodge No. 8, F.&A.M. Limerock, RI, for 60 years, as well as The Grand Order of Sword of Bunker Hill, Gaspee Order #99. For 43 years, Bill was a loyal employee of Valley Gas Co., first beginning in the mail room before transitioning to meter reading and, eventually, customer service.

Bill and Karline enjoyed regularly visiting their Aruban family for 55 years and although he promised many times, he never did send Ingrid "to the moon!" Other favorite vacation spots included New Hampshire and Maine, which had long been a family tradition as he grew up.

For the friends and family he's left behind, Bill has one final message: "It was a GREAT RIDE. Love to all."

We leave our own final earthly message to William: We love you more than you could ever know, and we appreciate everything you've ever done to give us the best life we could ever have. We could never repay you for your sacrifices, hard work, and commitment to your loved ones. May you rest peacefully until we meet again; you're home now, Billy.