Frank Jerome “Jerry” Wilson, age 83, of the Pensacola Community, passed away on Saturday, April 20th, 2024 at Mission Hospital.
A native of Yancey County, he was a son of the late Frank E. and Inez Sturgill Wilson. He was also preceded in death by sisters: Mary Lucille Cate, Helen Louise Pruett and Ruby Mae Styles.
Jerry was a U.S. Army Veteran and a former chief of the Penscola Fire Department. He faithfully attended Pensacola United Methodist Church, where he enjoyed the men’s breakfast.
He was a distributor for Sealtest products, car salesman and Christmas tree farmer, where he was a member of the North Carolina Christmas Tree Association.
Another interest included being an avid bear hunter, where he was also a member and President of the Cane River Bear Hunting Club. Jerry took pride in being a great-grandson to Big Tom Wilson. He will always be remembered as an avid outdoorsman who loved to visit the sick, tell stories and pull pranks.
Surviving is his loving wife of 34 years, Betty Ray Wilson; step-son, Johnny Dean McCurry of South Toe; adopted daughter, Karen Morgan (Paul) of Fletcher; nieces: Deborah Styles Graham and husband, Bill, of Weaverville and Mary Beth Thurman and husband, David, of Charlotte; great nieces: Mary Thurman Lambert (Jeff) and Deborah Thurman Normandin (Dan) and nephews: Will Graham (Shelley) and Thomas Thurman (Erika). Several extended family members also survive.
Funeral services will be held at 7 p.m. on Wednesday, April 24th in the Chapel of Yancey Funeral Services. Pastor Kent Smith will officiate. The family will receive friends from 5 until 7 p.m. prior to the services at the funeral home. Graveside services will be held at 11 a.m. on Thursday at the Allen Cemetery on Bear Pass Road in Pensacola.
Memorial donations may be made to Pensacola Fire Department at 8955 Hwy 197 S, Burnsville, NC 28714.
To send online condolences please visit: www.yanceyfuneralservice.com
