J. D. Wilson

J.D. Wilson, 78, of Old Fort, passed away unexpectedly Saturday, March 5, 2016 at his residence.

Mr. Wilson was born November 15, 1937, in Yancey County, to the late Philmore Wilson and Mae McIntyre Rathbone. Mr. Wilson was retired from Ethan Allen where he worked as a furniture repairman. He was a man of faith and strongly believed in the Lord. He loved to fish, hunt, raise and train horses. He was a great mechanic who fixed lawn mowers and loved to help his son with his race car. Mr. Wilson loved his family very much and his grandsons were his best buddies.

In addition to his parents, he is also preceded in death by his former wife, Wanda Brown; and his sisters, Essie Ward and Geraldine Janzen.

Surviving Mr. Wilson are a son, Jerry Wilson and wife, Melinda, of Old Fort; brothers, J.C. Rathbone and Clarence Rathbone and wife, Angie, both of Yancey County; sisters, Elene Linder and Lorene Rumfelt, both of Marion; grandsons, Jeremy, Corey, Alan, Tyler, Blake, and Tanner; and great-grandchildren Savannah and T.J.; and several nieces and nephews.

A memorial service will be held Saturday, March 12, 2016 at 3:00 p.m. at New Hope Baptist Church in Old Fort, with Pastor Mark Lawing officiating. The family will receive friends from 2:00 p.m. until 3:00 p.m., prior to the service, at the church.