New Harmony grieves loss of Wilson Auction Family icon

Bill Wilson

Special to the News

The Posey County community of New Harmony will no longer be the same after the weekend loss of William Bruce “Bill” Wilson.

Wilson, age 77, of New Harmony, Ind., passed away peacefully Thursday, July 23, 2026, at his home. He was born June 22, 1949, in New Harmony, Ind., to Joseph C. and N. Ruth (Schutz) Wilson.

Bill was a loving husband, father, grandfather, brother, uncle, friend, and mentor.

Bill was a 1967 graduate of New Harmony High School. He attended Indiana University where he rode in the “Little 500” Bike Race and participated in the 1968 Rose Parade and Rose Bowl Game as a member of the “IU Marching 100 Band.”

In 1972, he was employed in the family business, Wilson Furniture in New Harmony until 1979, when he became a licensed auctioneer and real estate broker for Curran Miller Auction & Realty of Evansville.

In 1985, Bill started William Wilson Auction and Realty in New Harmony and through the years conducted business across the state and region. In 1988, he built “The Auction Center” in New Harmony, a full service auction facility which he expanded in 2001. He also owned and operated storage facilities in the area. The business he started continues today in its second generation.

Bill shared a close, long-standing friendship with Attorney William Bender, with whom he often collaborated to build their respective businesses.

Bill was very active in the community, and was past president of the New Harmony Business Associates, New Harmony Jaycees and the New Harmony Alumni Association. He was a 25-year member and Speaker of the Working Men’s Institute, member of the Posey County Chamber of Commerce, member of the Evansville Rotary Club, was active in coaching Little League baseball and youth basketball, and was a licensed basketball official. He was an avid IU basketball fan.

While active in the New Harmony Business Associates, he and biking enthusiast Attorney Greg Meyer were instrumental in starting the “Harmonie Hundred” Bike Ride held annually in New Harmony.

Bill served two terms as director of the Indiana Auctioneers Association and attended many state and national conventions. He was a 40-year member of the National Auctioneers Association, Indiana Auctioneers Association and the Certified Auctioneers Institute. In 2005, he was inducted into the Indiana Auctioneers Hall of Fame.

Bill was an avid outdoorsman, especially water fowling. He enjoyed trips to Saskatchewan, Canada, with his goose hunting buddy Dr. Duane Kuhlenschmidt. Bill served as auctioneer for Ducks Unlimited for over 20 years.

Over the years, Bill donated his services as auctioneer to area fundraisers, including over 30 years with the University of Southern Indiana (USI) Varsity Club Steak Fry & Auction as well as many others. In 2025, Bill was inducted into the USI Athletics Hall of Distinction, recognizing his many years of service to the college.

Bill was a member of St. Stephen’s Episcopal Church in New Harmony, a member of New Harmony Masonic Lodge, and a life-long member and champion of the community of New Harmony.

Bill is survived by his loving wife of 51 years, Patricia Jo (Alsop) Wilson; children, Andrew W. Wilson (Amanda) of New Harmony, Ind., Emily Weinzapfel (Allen) of Florida, and Aaron P. Wilson of New Harmony, Ind.; grandchildren, Miles Wilson, Brynn Weinzapfel, Arianna Wilson, Ellie Wilson, Lucas Weinzapfel, Nora Wilson, and Alana Wilson; brothers, Robert J. Wilson (Sarah), Timothy A. Wilson, Gregory C. Wilson (Cidney), and Jack D. Wilson (Susan); sister-in-law, Patricia Ann Wilson; and many nieces and nephews.

Bill was preceded in death by his parents; and brother, J. Kirby Wilson.

A Celebration of Life will be held from 3 until 6 p.m., Sunday, August 16, 2026, at the Rapp-Owen Granary, 413 Granary Street, New Harmony, IN 47631. At Bill’s request,

Burial will be Private in Maple Hill Cemetery in New Harmony, Ind.

Memorial Contributions may be made to: Hoosier Art Salon at P.O. Box 338, New Harmony, IN 47631 or to the Town of New Harmony - Maple Hill Cemetery Fund at P.O. Box 340, New Harmony, IN 47631. Bill was passionate about preserving and expanding Maple Hill Cemetery and enjoyed the Hoosier Salon New Harmony Gallery, especially its annual First Brush of Spring.

Boone Funeral Home East Chapel – A Family Tradition Funeral Home, 5330 Washington Avenue, Evansville, Ind., is handling the arrangements and is honored to serve the family of Bill Wilson. Condolences may be made to the family online at boonefuneralhome.net.