Calvin Wilson, age 84, of South Toe, entered into his eternal reward on January 30, 2026, having faithfully completed his work on this earth. He was welcomed into the throne room of Heaven by his Lord and Savior, Jesus Christ.
A native of the Seven Mile Ridge community, Calvin was the son of the late Belle Autrey Wilson and Martin Wilson. He was preceded in death by his brothers Craig Wilson, Junior Wilson and Lewis Wilson.
He is survived by his beloved wife of 64 years, Faye Ballew Wilson; his daughters, Denise Wilson Farrell and husband David, and Kim Wilson Higgins and husband Darrin. The greatest earthly joys of his life were his grandsons, Logan and Lawson Higgins, whom he loved dearly and took great pride in. Also surviving are his sisters Sonya Geouge and Louise McClellan and brothers Woodrow Wilson and Rick Wilson and a host of nieces and nephews.
Calvin lived a life marked by unwavering Christian faith and service. For more than 50 years, he faithfully served as a Free Mason, deacon, Sunday School teacher, and choir leader, dedicating his time and talents to the Lord and his church. He was a founding member of the Yancey County Chapter of Gideons International, established in 1980. Through his dedication to the ministry, he helped spread God’s Word throughout the community and beyond and was especially proud that the Yancey County Camp became the nation’s leader for many consecutive years in the number of Bibles donated through the Gideon Memorial Bible Plan.
A man of many words, Calvin never met a stranger. Whether he was around his friends and neighbors, strangers in town or in another state or region, Calvin was always willing to share words of encouragement and his testimony of Christian love and faith. Calvin’s personal mission was to share the grace, goodness, and promises of God with others. For many years, he handed out copies of handwritten Bible verses—Scriptures that had carried him through times of anxiety, worry, and need. The number of lives touched by this simple yet powerful ministry is known only to God. In 2013, he authored a book titled “What God Has Done for Me: Anxiety, Panic Attacks, Depression and Worry Are Gone”. He never sought profit from his writing, giving away most copies in hopes of helping others find peace and healing through faith in the Lord.
A nurseryman by trade, Calvin farmed boxwood and Fraser Fir Christmas trees throughout the region. He was also an avid outdoorsman and spent many years ginsenging, fishing, coon hunting and bear hunting as a proud member of the Yancey Rod and Gun Club and the South Toe Bear Hunters.
Funeral services will be held at 3:30pm on Sunday, February 15, 2026 at Fairview Baptist Church on Seven Mile Ridge Rd. The family will receive friends beginning at 1:30. Burial will follow at Fairview Baptist Church Cemetery. Pastor Rick Woody and Rev Stacy Elkins will officiate. Members of the South Toe Bear Hunters will escort the body to the gravesite. Memorials can be made to the Gideons International Yancey County Camp at PO Box 264, Burnsville, NC 28714.
To send online condolences, please visit:www.yanceyfuneralservice.com.