Michael Wiltison

Michael Dale Wiltison, 57, of New Creek, West Virginia, passed away on March 18, 2024, at the Mayo Clinic in Jacksonville, Florida after complications of receiving a Stem Cell Transplant for Myelodysplastic Syndrome, a rare blood cancer.

Mike was born on March 21, 1966, to the late Ronald E. Wiltison and Virginia "Ginny" Wiltison, in Cumberland, MD. He graduated from Bruce High School in Westernport, MD with the Class of 1984.

Mike began working as a teen delivering papers in the Westernport area, went to Ocean City after graduation, and enjoyed living and working at the beach for five years. Mike previously worked at Bayliner, Trex, Sonoco, Pepsi and most recently at HP Hood for the past seven years. Mike took pride in his work ethic and his attendance record through his years of employment. No matter where he worked, his work ethic was one to be modeled. He was a provider to his family in every sense of the word.

In 1987, Mike met Darlene (Moreland), his life partner, and they married in 1992 creating a 36 year relationship that brought them God's greatest gift, their only child, Katie Madison (Wiltison) Liller, in 1996. In 2019, they were blessed to add a son in law, Ryan Liller, to their family.

In 2022, Mike and Darlene had an opportunity to get a retirement house in Fernandina Beach, Florida. It is believed that this was all part of the plan because they soon made the decision to move down there and seek care at the Center of Excellence, Mayo Clinic in Jacksonville. He spent his last days prior to the transplant doing what he loved. He would walk five miles a day and make his rounds down the street to the Nassau River where he enjoyed fishing, crabbing, shark tooth hunting, watching airplanes and the sunrise over the water, boating with his brother in law, and eating the day's catch. He'd count how many squirrels he saw and the birds he heard along the way. He'd always report back who was at the dock, how many fish they caught, what bait they used, and how many dolphins he saw. He loved the outdoors and lived life to the fullest.

He thoroughly enjoyed his beach life but country roads always took him home. He loved the mountains just as much. He was an avid hunter, fisherman, and outdoorsman up there too. Any time spent in the woods with Katie was an unforgettable time. Some of the fondest memories are picking berries, hunting morel mushrooms, riding the four wheeler, calling in owls, riding his motorcycle through the mountains, and sitting on the back porch with his dogs and family watching it rain. He enjoyed gardening and cooking. He was known for his famous potato salad and blackberry cobbler. It's true the best memories are priceless. He didn't have to be doing much to be doing something that meant everything to him and ones around him.

Along with valuing the simple things, he was always a treasure hunter. Whether it be picking up change in the Walmart parking lot, yard sale-ing, or finding the biggest morel or shark tooth, he appreciated everything. Anyone who knew Mike could agree that his family was his biggest accomplishment. He adored Darlene and Katie and was a true family man. He always put them first and had strong core values that were instilled in them together. He never believed in giving up. He was resilient, strong-willed, determined, and brave through all aspects of life. He continued to uphold these beliefs through his cancer journey and gave it his all to the very end. He never once backed out of his decision to do the transplant, even after knowing the risks. The time given to him was almost up without having the transplant and he said "I'm going to die trying."

In addition to his parents, Mike was greeted in Heaven by his grandparents, Cecil and Cecilia Wiltison and Harry Reeves and Hazel Reeves Ketterman.

In addition to his wife, daughter and son in law, he is survived by his three brothers, Ronald Wiltison, Jr. (his donor) and wife Sally of Sebastian, FL, Todd Wiltison and wife Mitzi of Swanton, MD, and Chris Wiltison and wife Billie of Oakland, MD; his sister in law, Donna and husband Joey Parrish of Fernandina Beach, FL; brother in law, Dan Moreland of Kennesaw, GA; father and mother in law, Donnie and Dottie Moreland of Elk Garden, WV; and several aunts, uncles, nieces, nephews and cousins.

For those who wish to give someone else a fighting chance against blood cancer, please consider donating blood, platelets or bone marrow when given the opportunity. We don't realize how much someone's life depends on them until their life depends on them.

In lieu of flowers, please consider donating to the Leukemia and Lymphoma Society (LLS.org ~ 1-888- 557-7177) which provides financial aid and assistance to families dealing with blood cancer.

Friends will be received at the Fredlock Funeral Home, 31 Jones St, Piedmont, WV, on Sunday, March 24, 2024, noon until 4 PM. A memorial service will be held at 4 PM. A celebration of life fellowship will be held at Bloomington Firehall immediately following the service. Come share your Mike stories with us.