Robert Jerry Wilson, 77, of Apison, Tennessee, died on Saturday morning, May 5, 2012.
Jerry was a resident of Ooltewah for 50 years. His presence and impact on his family and friends will be deeply felt and missed until we meet him again. Jerry was deeply committed to his family and always held them close in heart at all times.
He was preceded in death by his mother and father, Earl and Edna Wilson.
He is survived by his wife of 55 years, Doris Lynn Wilson, his son, Jerry Scott Wilson, (Kim Wilson) his daughters, Laura Lynn Wilson Atkins, (Rusty Atkins), and Julie Dee Wilson Daffron, (Jeff Daffron), three grandsons, Mitchell Scott Wilson, Brett Alan Atkins and Jacob Mark Daffron and two granddaughters, Molly Paige Wilson and Carley Angelina Atkins.
Jerry was a faithful member of Ooltewah Baptist Church where he served as a deacon.
He earned his B.S from Tennessee Wesleyan and his master's from the University of Florida. He began his career at Ooltewah High School in 1957 as a teacher and coach. He spent the next 35 years in Hamilton County serving as a principal and vice principal until he retired. His deep committment and loyalty to his students, teachers and staff was demonstrated daily as he encouraged, supported, and personally impacted each one in many significant ways.
Funeral services will be held on Tuesday, May 8, at 4 p.m. at Ooltewah Baptist Church with Reverend Chris Gaither and Reverend Jerry Massey officiating. Prior to the service, the family will receive friends from 2-4 p.m. at the church.
Burial will be at McMinn Memory Gardens on Wednesday, May 9, at 10 a.m.
The family asks that in lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made to St. Jude Hospital in Memphis or Avalon Hospice in Chattanooga.
Arrangements are by the Valley View Chapel of Chattanooga Funeral Home, Crematory and Florist, 7414 Old Lee Highway, Chattanooga, Tn. 37421.
Please share your thoughts and memories at www.ChattanoogaValleyViewChapel.com.