Kenneth Jay Wilson of Minneapolis, North Carolina was received into the arms of his Savior and his faith became sight on July 3, 2024. He walked on this earth for 80 long and fruitful years. His life was marked by his service to the Lord and others. He faithfully served in various churches throughout his lifetime as an assistant pastor, dedicated Sunday School teacher, Bible Institute seminary professor, and assistant principal at Faith Christian Academy. Ken wanted to be known as a seeker of the truth, the truth found in Jesus Christ alone.
Ken was born into a loving Christian family in Portland, Oregon and was raised along the West Coast by his devoted parents, Ralph and Doris Wilson. He served his country during the Vietnam era in the US Army and was an expert marksman. He graduated from the University of Oregon with a Bachelor and Master’s of Science degree and remained a dedicated sports fan for Oregon his whole life. He also received his Theology degree from Pacific Coast Bible College. He met he love of his life, Phyllis Ollis Wilson, while teaching at a Christian school in California. They married and made their home in Minneapolis, NC. Together they raised three wonderful children and taught them the Christian values of love and commitment. He helped create lasting memories in their lives through the many vacations they shared together and supported them tremendously in their sports and academic achievements. Ken has a lifelong love of learning and was always reading books on theology, history, and politics. He was faithful in his employment at Mid-Cities Baptist High School in California, Mayland Community College, Victory Bible Institute of Roan Mountain, and the Avery County Health Department, where he spent over twenty years serving the needs of the elderly in his community. He also served in a jail ministry where he ministered to prisoners in their time of need. He also served faithfully as a counselor for Samaritan’s Purse and Franklin Graham’s Operation Christmas Child ministry. One of the greatest joys of his life was teaching seminary classes at the Minneapolis Bible Institute as a professor of English Bible where he trained students in the Christian faith.
His love for the Lord, his family, his church, and others shapes the legacy he leaves behind. Those who grieve his loss are his wife of 47 years, Dr. Phyllis Ollis Wilson, his children Elizabeth Dayton of Hickory and her husband, Bruce, Dr. Anna Wilson of Concord and Quentin Blakeney, and Abraham Wilson of Minneapolis. He also leaves behind four grandchildren, Grace, Isaac, and Samuel Dayton, and Kenna Wilson as well as his sisters, Cecilia Carter of Patriot, Ohio and Lin Marie of Portland, Oregon. His nieces and nephews (with their spouses) include Joshua and Sandra Peterson, Rob and Kelly Mays, Melody and Rick Tanner, Rich and Wendy Mays, Ryan and Marsha Mays, Jennifer and Chris Reeder, Jim and Nancy Ollis, Mary Nan Ollis, Brent Hagie, and Bryan Hagie.
The family will receive friends from 12 noon until 1 p.m. on Saturday, July 13 at Open Door Baptist Church. Funeral Services will follow at 1 p.m. with Pastor Tom Carver and Rev. Bryan Griffith officiating. Military honors will be conducted by the VFW Pat Ray Post 4286 at the church following the services. A procession and interment will conclude in the Minneapolis Methodist Church Cemetery with Rev. Bruce Dayton officiating.
For the wonderful care given to Ken, the family would like to say a special thank you to the following: CenterWell Home Health, Amorem Hospice and Palliative Care, Dr. Peter Clark and all the staff of Levine Cancer, and the James H. Quillen VA Clinic and hospital.
