Earl Wilson

Earl Wilson, 88, of Kingsport, passed away Saturday, September 24, 2011 at the James H. Quillen V.A. Medical Center.

Born in Sullivan County where he resided his entire life, he was employed with the Mead Corp. for 30 years and retired in 1970. Mr. Wilson was a member of Fordtown Missionary Baptist Church. He was a World War II Veteran and received both the Bronze Star and Purple Heart.

He was preceded in death by his wife, Wanda Wilson; parents, Roxie and Coy Wilson; Brother, J. D. Wilson; and sisters, Helen Gray and Jean Barlow.

He is survived by his daughter, Patsy Light and husband, Phil, Kernersville, NC; son, Bill Wilson and wife, Marilyn of Kingsport; 3 grandsons, Gavin Wilson and wife, Traci of Kingsport, Damon Light and wife Amy, Raleigh, NC, Derek Light and wife, Becky, Kernersville, NC; sister, Iva Reno; 6 great-grandchildren, Brianna and Blake Wilson, Katelyn, Connor, Kelsey and Chance Light.

The family will receive friends on Tuesday, September 27, from 1:00-2:00 p.m. at Tri-Cities Funeral Home. Funeral services will be held at 2 p.m. with Pastor Bryan Moore officiating.

Graveside services will follow at Tri-Cities Memory Gardens with Military Honors provided by American Legion Post 3/265. Pallbearers will be Damon Light, Derek Light, Gavin Wilson, Don Gray, Gerald Gray, Jeff Gray and Charles Sams.

The family extends a special thanks to the staff of Wellington Place in Colonial Heights.

Contributions may be made in memory of Earl Wilson to Fordtown Baptist Church, 444 Old Fordtown Rd., Kingsport TN 37663 or St. Jude Children's Research Hospital, 501 St. Jude Place, Memphis TN 38105-1942.