Henry Franklin Wilson, Jr.
Henry F. “Junior” Wilson, Jr. 81, of Soddy Daisy, died on Thursday, January 29, 2015 at home surrounded by his loving family.
He was preceded in death by his parents, Henry, Sr. and Ruby Morgan Wilson; brother, Allen Wilson; sisters, Mary Ruth Wilson and Jeanette Wilson Tenpenny.
Junior retired as an electrician from U.S. Pipe and Foundry working there from 1954-1996 and served as president of Local 175 IBEW from 1968-1996. He was a veteran having served in the U.S. Navy from 1951-1954 the grade of FN (Fireman) during the Korean War. He was honored with a plaque on the Veteran’s Wall at Veteran’s Wall at Veteran’s Park in Soddy Daisy and Nov. 14 was declared Henry Franklin Wilson, Jr. Day in 2013 by the city of Soddy Daisy. Junior was a member of Pilgrim’s Rest Baptist Church and gave back to his community with his and his brother’s family band, The Tennessee Hi-Riders, volunteering their time and talent at many fundraising events. Junior’s talent was inherited by all his children and then some. At many of the events, three generations of Wilsons played in the band.
Junior is survived by his wife of 60 years, Louvenia Ford Wilson; children, Randy Wilson (Diana), Sherry Shipley (Phil), Steve Wilson (Denise); siblings, Betty Crawley (Gene), Norita Shackleford (Don), Carlos Wilson (Barbara); grandchildren, Dan Wilson (Anni), Chad Shipley, Ryan Shipley (Megan), Kristen Wilson (Matt Ewton); five great-grandchildren and many nieces and nephews.
Junior was a kind and generous man. He loved animals, fishing and softball. Junior lived his life freely giving his time, talent and energy to others. He will be missed but will always remain in the hearts of those who knew and loved him.
Services will be held on Sunday, Feb. 1, at 2 p.m. in the funeral home chapel with Reverend Wilburn Hardyman officiating. Burial will follow with military honors at Varner Cemetery with Ryan Shipley, Robert Wilson, Chris Wilson, Jamie Wilson, Roger Crawley and Lamar Clark serving as pallbearers. Visitation is Saturday from 4:00 to 9:00 p.m. at the funeral home.
Condolences and memories can be shared at www.williamsonandsons.com.
Arrangements are by Williamson and Sons Funeral Home, 8852 Dayton Pike, Soddy Daisy, TN 37379.