Saint Elmo Wilson, a long-time Florence businessman, departed this life on Sunday, November 11, 2012. He was born in Florence on September 13, 1924 and was 88 years old. When asked what he wanted in his obituary he said, “It doesn’t matter about the other stuff, just say ‘He sure did love children.’”
The visitation for family and friends will be at Woodlawn Church of Christ on Tuesday beginning at 1:00 p.m. The funeral service will follow at the church at 3:00 p.m.
Matt Heupel and Ellis Coats will officiate. Entombment will follow in the Tri-Cities Mausoleum. Elkins Funeral Home is assisting the family.
Mr. Wilson owned Wilson Painting Company for 40 years operating it from 1961 to 2001. He was a World War II Veteran and served in the South Pacific.
He served on the Board of Directors of Mars Hill School from 1967 to 1976 and served as an Elder at Woodlawn Church of Christ for 28 years.
Mr. Wilson is survived by his loving wife of 67 years Frances Stutts Wilson; sons Charles Wilson and wife Betty, Van Wilson and wife Denise and David Wilson and wife Glenna; grandchildren Vanessa Sides (Dan), Anna Burnley (Cary), Destin Gargis (Matt), Leah Wilson, Jason Wilson, Natalie Wilson and Hank Wilson; great-grandchildren Canaan Sides, Avery Burnley, Ellie Burnley and Gracie Gargis; sisters-in-law Madron Wilson and Pat Wilson; nieces and nephews (all were his favorite).
He was preceded in death by his parents William Irvin Wilson and Neler Watkins Wilson, brothers Willie Wilson, Bill Wilson, and Ray Wilson; sisters Arlie Davis, Iva Pickens, Josie Scott, Net Adams and Dorothy Wilson.
Grandsons that will serve as pallbearers are Jason Wilson, Hank Wilson, Canaan Sides, Dan Sides, Cary Burnley, Matt Gargis and a special friend Glenn McInnish.
The family offers special thanks to Hospice of the Shoals, the caregivers of Home Instead and Dr. Edsel Holden.
In lieu of flowers, please consider memorials to Mars Hill Bible School.
You are invited to sign the on-line guest register at www.elkinsfh.com.
