Born in Sao Paulo, Brazil, Wilson was the son of the late Rev. Wilson G. Sallum and Helen S. Sallum, of Jamestown, RI.

Wilson found success in many fields throughout his life and career. He was a chemist by training, with a Bachelor's of Science in Chemistry from UMass Amherst. He went on to attend Brown University to study Computer Science and had a 10-year career as a Software Engineer. Locally, Wilson may be most well known as a hydroponic produce farmer and the owner and proprietor of Eastern Fish Farms of Tiverton, RI. His delicious Boston lettuce was distributed throughout the Southcoast area by Nassif Fruit Company and was featured on local menus at restaurants such as The Back Eddy.

Wilson was also an avid, intrepid sailor with a deep love for the ocean. When he wasn't sailing his Sea Sprite, Halcyon, he enjoyed bodysurfing, walking, and sitting in the waves at Cherry and Webb Beach. He was also a talented mechanic, and had fun collecting, repairing, and modifying red Saab 900 Turbo convertibles. Over the years he could often be seen driving through Tiverton and Westport in his red Saab, top down, Beach Boys playing.

Wilson is survived by his loving wife, Gail R. Sallum, and his dear sister Marcia Sallum. He was immensely proud of, and will be deeply missed by his son Ulysses Sallum, Ph.D. and daughter-in-law Rachel Sallum, and his two daughters Christine Sallum, Ph.D., and Stephanie Sallum, Ph.D. He was a jovial Grandpa to two granddaughters, Virginia Sallum and Hadley Sallum, and had a large extended family in Brazil.