William Griffith Wilson, widely known as Bill W., was born on November 26, 1895, and became a pivotal figure in American history as a co-founder of Alcoholics Anonymous (AA). Alongside his fellow co-founder Bob Smith, Wilson played a crucial role in establishing a global fellowship aimed at helping individuals struggling with alcoholism.
Bill W. maintained his sobriety from alcohol starting December 11, 1934, a commitment he upheld until his passing on January 24, 1971. His journey towards recovery not only transformed his life but also laid the foundation for millions of others seeking to overcome addiction.
In 1955, Wilson made a significant decision to turn over the control of AA to a board of trustees, ensuring the organization's longevity and adherence to its core principles. His contributions to the field of addiction recovery were recognized posthumously when Time magazine included him in their list of the Most Important People of the Century in 1999, referring to him as 'Bill W.: The Healer.'