Robert Wesley Wilson, 89, of Whiteville
Mr. Wilson passed away Monday evening, April 10, 2017 at Methodist Hospital – Germantown.
A native of Fayette County, TN, Mr. Wilson had lived over 80 years in the Newcastle area of Hardeman County. Born Sunday, May 1, 1927, he was the son of the late John Wesley Wilson and Verna Edna Davis Wilson. Mr. Wilson was visionary entrepreneur as owner of Wilson Well Co. and worked there since its founding in 1946 with his father. He began running the business in 1958. In his earlier years, he enjoyed farming.
On Friday, July 18, 1952, he was united in marriage to the former Nelda Jean Wynn, who survives. He was a long-time member of the Grand Junction First United Methodist Church, where he was active on many church committees. He served his country in the Army Air Force as a member of the 101st Airborne Infantry.
Mr. Wilson was active in the Tennessee Water Well Association having served as state president and also served as a member of the Licensing Board of Directors for Water Well Contractors. He was the founder of the Fayette County Fire Department when he set up the first station in District 15. He was presently a Lieutenant with the department. Mr. Wilson was the oldest active First Responder in the State of Tennessee.
An avid aviator, Mr. Wilson was a 1st Lieutenant with the Civil Air Patrol based in Bolivar. He held his private pilot license and instilled a love of flying into many members of his family.
He leaves his wife of 64 years, Nelda Wilson of Whiteville; three daughters, Teresa Brockwell (John) of Murfreesboro, Jenny Evans (Robert) of Collierville, and Kristi Anderson (Brad) of Jackson; one son, Rodney D. Wilson (Julie) of Whiteville; one brother, Jerry Wilson (Judy) of Whiteville; 12 grandchildren, Lauren Trousdale, Amy Bartlett, Julie Adams, Andrew, Callie and Alexander Wilson, Heather Stamps, Melissa Evans, Whitney, Rachel, Steven and Ashlin Anderson; and 4 great-grandchildren, Joel and Hannah Trousdale, Hayes and Briley Adams.
In addition to his parents, he was preceded in death by a sister, Maxine Crawford of Whiteville.
Memorials may be sent to the Grand Junction First United Methodist Church or St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital (http://www.stjude.org/donate).
