STARR, SC – The Reverend Don Franklin Wilson, age 78, of 1520 Agnew Road, passed away on Thursday, October 7, 2010, at the Rainey Hospice House in Anderson.
Born in Patterson Springs, NC, on September 30, 1932, he was a son of the late Adkin Andrew Wilson and Annie D. Turner Wilson. He served as a Radio Operator on the USS York Town while serving in the United States Navy. Reverend Wilson graduated from No. 3 High School in Patterson Springs, NC, received his Associates Degree from North Greenville Junior College, his Bachelors Degree from Gardner-Webb University, and his Masters of Divinity & Doctor of Ministry from the Southern Seminary in Louisville, KY. He was a retired Baptist Minister having served Ridgewood Baptist Church in Greer, SC, Plum Creek Baptist Church in Vevay, IN, and Long Branch Baptist Church in Anderson, SC. He served as Interim Minister for the congregations of Mt. Tabor, Flat Rock, Shiloh, and Carswell. Reverend Wilson was currently an active member of Starr Baptist Church. While a resident of Miami, FL, he served as the Office Manager for Carolina Freight Carriers, as the Production Planner for Eastern Airlines, and as a Ticket Agent for Eastern Airlines. He was a former Chaplain and Reserve Officer for the City of Anderson Police Department, where many knew him as “Papa 1”. In addition to being an avid golfer, Reverend Wilson was a member of the Electric City Lions Club and was a volunteer for Meals on Wheels.
Survivors include his beloved wife, Helen S. Vaughn Wilson, of the home; a daughter, Amy Wilson Sexton and husband, Michael R. Sexton; a grandson, Weston Eric Sexton; a granddaughter, Ayrn Denese Sexton; a step-granddaughter, Amanda Sexton Wilson and husband, Josh Wilson; and a great grandson, Haiden Michael Wilson.
In addition to his parents, Reverend Wilson was predeceased by a brothers: Ned Turner Wilson, Billy Adkin Wilson, and Max Wilson; and sisters: Edith Faye Wilson Dawson, Judy Elaine Wilson Rice, Sara Wilson Goforth.
The Funeral Service will be held at 3pm on Sunday, October 10, 2010, at Long Branch Baptist Church, conducted by the Reverend Hudson White. Interment will follow in Forest Lawn Memorial Park.
The family is at the residence, and will receive friends at The McDougald Funeral Home from 5pm until 7pm on Saturday. Reverend Wilson will be placed into the Church at 2pm on Sunday.
In lieu of flowers, it is suggested that memorials be made to the Janie Chapman State Missions Offering through the Church of your choice, or to Hospice of The Upstate, 1835 Rogers Road, Anderson, SC 29621.
A message of condolence may be sent by visiting www.mcdougaldfuneralhome.com