William Francis "Bill" Love

William Francis “Bill” Love, 65, of Valdosta, passed away unexpectedly on Sunday, September 29, 2024, at Emory University Hospital. Born in Wheeling, West Virginia, to the late G. Thomas and Thelma Sue Love. 

Bill moved to Valdosta at a young age, where he grew deep roots in the community he loved. A proud graduate of Lowndes High School, class of 1977, Bill was a dedicated member of the Vikings baseball team, a passion that would stay with him throughout his life.

After high school, Bill honorably served his country in the U.S. Air Force for four years before returning home to continue his education at Valdosta State College and later the University of Georgia. In the mid-1980s, life took him to Arizona, but in 2001, his heart brought him back to Valdosta, where he reconnected with and soon married the love of his life, Sala Wilkinson Prain, on November 15, 2003, at First Baptist Church.

Bill’s life was filled with hard work and dedication, not only to his career but also to those around him. He operated Love Lighting for several years before working at Wilkinson Textiles.

Eventually, Bill found his way to Kinderlou Forest Golf, where his hands and heart left an indelible mark. He started on the groundskeeping team but quickly became a beloved and invaluable leader, affectionately called by his family “Mr. Kinderlou.” Most recently, Bill found joy in his work at Southern Builders Supply, where he made lasting friendships and thrived.

Beyond his career, Bill was a man devoted to his community. He served faithfully on the Valdosta City School Board; helping the Valdosta Early College Academy get its start, he took great pride and spent countless hours helping the Wildcat Baseball Team maintain their playing fields, and he championed for the VHS Girls Softball and Soccer teams.

His love for sports ran deep—an avid fan of Valdosta City School Sports, Atlanta Braves, and NASCAR. 

Bill had a knack for fixing things and was always there to lend a hand to family and friends. His gentle spirit and kind heart touched many lives, as he consistently checked in on and cared for those he loved.

Bill was a man of faith and a member of First Baptist Church, where he faithfully served his community and shared in fellowship. One of his simple pleasures was taking breakfast in a cup to his dear friend Jim McKinney every Sunday after church.

Bill is survived by his loving wife, Sala Wilkinson Love; his bonus sons and daughters-in-law, Taylor and Crysta Prain and Chad and Brooke Prain, all of Valdosta; his bonus daughter, Sala Elizabeth Prain, and her fiancé Ray Gervasi, of Greenville, SC; and his cherished grandchildren, Lennon Prain and Ryder Prain. He is also survived by Fred and Vickie Wilkinson, father and mother-in-law of Valdosta; brother & sister in law, Thom and Dana G. Wilkinson of Ponte Vedra, FL; his oldest brother Tom and Jane Love of Birmingham, AL; his twin brother and sister-in-law, Bob and Sheila Love of Kathleen, GA; his sister, Peggy Sue Love of Anthem, AZ; his Aunts & Uncles: Betty Cannon of Nashville, TN, Fay Bowen of Newbern, TN, Ann & Jim Webb of Hot Springs Village, AR, and June & Gaylon Reasons of Eads, TN and numerous nieces and nephews who loved their Uncle Bill dearly.

He is preceded in death by his parents, G. Thomas & Thelma Sue Love; sister-in-law, Dana Wilkinson; Aunt, Ellen Bowen and Uncle, Bobby Bowen, Thomas Bowen, Jim Cannon.

A memorial service celebrating Bill’s life will be held at 2 PM on Sunday, October 6, 2024, at the Family Life Center at First Baptist Church 211 West Central Ave, Valdosta, Ga 31602 officiated by Rev. Mac Weaver. The family will receive friends following the service. 

In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to Valdosta Wildcat Baseball, a cause close to Bill’s heart. Donations may be sent by VENMO (@VCSFoundation) or may be payable and mailed to Valdosta City Schools Foundation (VHS Baseball) P.O. Box 5407 Valdosta, GA 31603-5407 or dropped off at the Valdosta Board of Education at 1204 Williams St. in Valdosta. Please note: for VHS Baseball 

Condolences may be shared with the family at www.mclanecares.com.

Bill’s legacy will live on in the lives of all who knew and loved him. His gentle presence, unwavering devotion to family, and kind, selfless spirit will be dearly missed.