James Rollin Wilson, 89, a native to the Salem community of Russell County, passed away Sunday, May 14, 2023 at Ivy Knoll Senior Living, in Covington. He was born September 26, 1933 at home in Salem, a son of the late Herbert and Elva Meece Wilson.
He was the last surviving of the Wilson children. A Korean War veteran, Mr. Wilson served honorably in the United States Army. He proudly wore his Korean Veteran hat, putting all his other hats aside. Mr. Wilson, “Pop” to everyone but his wife, Marilyn, was loved by all who met him. His smiling blue eyes revealed his inner happiness. Mr. Wilson was a humorous man who loved to tell stories. When speaking of him, people would say “What a guy!”. He was so personable, Mr. Wilson never forgot a name, recalling both first and last names of people he encountered over the years. He was a Christian man of Baptist faith who would so diligently study his Bible, he would have to replace a worn-out copy with a new. Mr. Wilson enjoyed watching Shepherd’s Chapel on television for many years. He was a hard-working, humble man. Mr. Wilson enjoyed gardening and canning the rewards; he liked working on his tractors and going fishing. He loved to travel; especially to many of the National Parks. “Pop” sure loved his grandchildren and was so proud of them.
SURVIVORS:
His wife: Marilyn Rider Wilson
1 son: James Clinton Wilson of Walton
1 daughter: Cheryl (Tim) Brookbank of Erlanger
3 grandchildren: Anthony Brandon Wilson, Robert Nicholas (Martha) Wilson, and Ryan Matthew (Jennifer) Wilson
5 great-grandchildren & 2 great-great-grandchildren
Several nieces & nephews
Along with his parents, Mr. Wilson was preceded in death by his daughter, Renita Gail Wilson; four brothers: Lewis Wilson, Phillip Wilson, Harold Wilson, and Wilkie Wilson (and a brother who died in infancy); and five sisters: Viola Weddle, Gladys Martin, Lynnr Smiley, Maretha Clayton and Edna Weddle.
Funeral Service: Sunday, May 21, 2023 at 1:00pmCT at Bernard Funeral Home, with Bro. Larold Gosser officiating
Interment: Salem Cemetery with Military Honors conducted by the Russell County Honor Guard
Visitation: After 11:00amCT on Sunday
Pallbearers: Jerry Roaden, Leonard Wilson, Nick Wilson, Ryan Wilson, Tony Wilson, Clint Wilson and Tim Brookbank
Arrangements have been entrusted to Bernard Funeral Home. An online guestbook is available at www.bernardfuneralhome.com.
