Bill Wickliffe, 78, left Ford to help run retail business
September 15, 2022
William Wickliffe of Mount Gilead died Sept. 8 at his home while comforted by his family following a long illness. He was 78.
He was born Aug. 2, 1944, in Ballyclare, Northern Ireland, the son of William and Mary Wickliffe. When Bill turned 21, and seeking a new adventure, he moved to Canada. He eventually signed on with Ford Motor Co., where he rose to a position of head union steward at the Toronto installation. In 1980, he met his future wife, Sybil, while he was visiting in Myrtle Beach with friends from Canada on a golf holiday. They were married a year later. Bill soon joined Sybil in her retail business, The Mole Hole.
Though he had no retail experience, Mr. Wickliffe was a quick learner and was soon running the day-to-day operations. They were a formidable team and had soon grown the business in sales and locations.
He never really retired and continued to go into his Mole Hole office most every day, but he did take time to play some golf and fish with friends, take cruises and travel internationally with his wife.
He was remembered as a respected businessman and a loyal friend who was devoted to his family. He was a kind, caring, and generous man.
In addition to his wife of 41 years, he is survived by his stepsons, Wilkie Melton, Kemp Melton and Erik Hanson; six grandchildren and four great-grandchildren as well as his extended family in the UK and Ireland.
Another stepson, Mike Melton, died before him.
Funeral services will be held at 2 p.m. today at Belin Memorial United Methodist Church with interment in the church cemetery. The family will receive friends at the church one hour before the service.
In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to U.S. cancer research or Belin Memorial United Methodist Church.
