He was born July 13, 1921 in Polk County to the late Claude C. Wilson and Grace Gibbs Wilson. Mr. Wilson was a veteran of the U.S. Air Force, having served his country in World War II. He was a member of North Newton Baptist Church.

In addition to his parents, he was preceded in death by his wife of 63 years, Lorene Crisson Wilson, and brothers, Carl Wilson, Cal Wilson and Charlie Wilson.

Survivors include daughters, Brenda Wilson Pickett and husband Graham of Selma, N.C., and Karen Wilson Dillard and husband Dennis of Newton; grandchildren, Kimberly Dillard Burns and husband Steven, Sarah Pickett Baldwin and Jonathan Pickett and wife Jamie; great-grandchildren, Ryan Baldwin, Brandon Baldwin and Madeline Grace Pickett; sister, Celia Aldridge of Mill Spring; and brother, Clifford Reese Wilson of Maiden.

A service of remembrance will be held at 2 p.m. Friday, Feb. 27, 2009 at North Newton Baptist Church, with the Rev. Lloyd King officiating. Burial will follow in Catawba Memorial Park, with military honors provided by American Legion Post #16..

The family will receive friends Thursday evening from 6 to 7:30 p.m. at Drum Funeral Home in Conover, N.C.

In lieu of flowers, memorials may be sent to Palliative Care Center & Hospice of Catawba Valley, 3975 Robinson Road, Newton, N.C. 28658 or North Newton Baptist Church, 316 West 21st Street, Newton , N.C. 28658.

Condolences may be sent to the Wilson family at www.drumfuneralhome.com.

The Wilson family has entrusted funeral arrangements to Drum Funeral Home & Cremation Services in Conover.

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