William Baptiste “Billy” Filkins, of Wareham, born July 24, 1925 and transitioned January 4, 2013, at the age of 87.

He was the son of the late Carlotta Britto Filkins and John Filkins (both of Brava, Cape Verde). He was predeceased by brothers John, Jesse, Stanford, Teddy, and Roy, and sisters Dorothy, Mary, Anita, and Winnifred.

He was the beloved husband of forty-four-and-a-half years of Janet Fernandes Filkins, and the beloved father of Tonya Filkins-Myers and Michelle Filkins. He was the doting grandfather of Cortney and Davon Myers, godfather and uncle to many nieces and nephews, too many to name, and loyal friend to all.

He was a decorated World War II veteran of the U.S. Army, and was honorably discharged after 24 years. He was a retired supervisor at Ocean Spray, where he worked 24 years. Mr. Filkins was a former boxer, lifelong poet, comedian, piano player, harmonica player, and man of faith.

His funeral service will be held on Wednesday, Jan. 9, at the Chapman, Cole & Gleason Funeral Home, 2599 Cranberry Highway (Rt. 28), Wareham at 11 a.m. Interment will follow in the Mass. National Cemetery, Bourne. Visiting hours will be Tuesday from 5 to 8 p.m.

For directions and online guestbook, visit: www.ccgfuneralhome.com.