William Arnold Maddeaux was born on 5 September 1949 to Russell and Blanche (née Tallman), the first of their six children. He grew up in Beamsville and attended Great Lakes Christian College from 1962 to 1967.
His affiliation with Great Lakes continued throughout his life, teaching French, Math, and Bible there in the 1980s and 1990s.
After graduating from Great Lakes, Wil studied at Oklahoma Christian College (1967-1968), then spent one year at the École Biblique de Verviers in Belgium (1969-1970). He returned to Ontario to complete a Math degree at the University of Waterloo (1972).
Wil spent ten years teaching in Liverpool, England, after marrying Sue Limb. They had four children: Richard, Elizabeth, Ruth, and Sarah-Joy. He was an active member of the congregation there and always remembered his time in England with fondness.
In 1984, the family moved to Port Colborne so Wil could take up a preaching position. Over the years Wil also worked with congregations in Ohio and in St. Thomas, Ontario. Wherever he was living, he found a congregation he could serve through Bible teaching, song leading, and fellowship.
Wil married Shirley Wilson in September 2001, gaining four step-children: Jennifer, Carol, Kevin, and Andrew. Shirley was a constant support to Wil through his health struggles: the discovery of a brain tumour in 2007, two major strokes, and the limitations that followed. His health problems finally overcame him on 27 September 2023.
Wil is predeceased by both parents and by his siblings Rex and Charrie. He is survived by his sister Anna (Merv Cox) and brothers Patrick (Sharon) and Joseph. As well as his four children and four step-children, he leaves behind 14 grandchildren and step-grandchildren.
A memorial service for Wil was held on 28 October 2023 at the Tintern Church of Christ. Attendees shared memories of his love for singing, for nature, for math, for people, and especially of his love for the Lord. The service was recorded and can be viewed here: https://www.youtube.com/live/JsG-wRFlszU?si=BEXYP44Gu_eItFmi&t=1962