Danny Joe Wilson was born July 8, 1944, in Blytheville, Ark., to the late Evans Jackson and Imogene Woodard Wilson. He passed peacefully from this earth surrounded by family and friends Friday, Nov. 16, 2012.
He was a member and deacon at Jackson Heights Church of Christ. He graduated from Mars Hill Bible School in 1962, where he was well known for playing basketball and baseball. After graduation, he was employed as a machinist at Flagg Utica until entering the U.S. Army in 1965. He bravely served his country during the Vietnam War in the 1st Calvary Division, where he was wounded. He received two Purple Hearts and a Bronze Star.
He loved spending time with his family, especially his grandchildren, who called him “Diddly.” He loved fishing and baseball, both playing and coaching. He truly loved his “baseball boys.” He was always smiling and had the natural ability to make everyone laugh.
He is survived by his devoted and loving wife of 45 years, Beth Summers Wilson; daughter, Leigh Ann Jasper and son-in-law, Bryan Jasper, Athens, Ala.; grandchildren, Lauren Jasper and Will Jasper, Athens, Ala.; several much loved cousins, nieces and nephews; and his beloved cats, Pook and Daisy.
Visitation will be noon-2 p.m. today, Sunday, Nov. 18, 2012, at Jackson Heights Church of Christ. The funeral service will follow at 2 p.m. Presiding at the service will be Ronnie Pannell, Kelby Smith and Barry Gilreath Jr. Burial will follow at Tri-Cities Memorial Gardens, with Spry-Williams Funeral Home directing.
Pallbearers are Jack Bryan, Joe Dickerson, Doug Hill, John Lawson, Rex Lemley and Rick Rich. Honorary pallbearers are the elders and deacons of Jackson Heights Church of Christ, along with his former baseball players.
The family wishes to express gratitude to Dr. Tim Ashley and Dr. Robert Webb.
Memorials may be made to Jackson Heights Church of Christ Building Fund, Athens Bible School (where his grandchildren attend), or Mars Hill Bible School.
