Mike Wilson
Eric Michael “Mike” Wilson, decorated Vietnam veteran and loving father, grandfather, brother, uncle, and friend, passed away at the age of 73 on Saturday, November 17, 2018.
Mike was born on Feb. 24, 1945 in Chattanooga, Tn. He graduated Brainerd High School in 1963 and attended Chattanooga State and the University of Tennessee at Chattanooga. He attended Pine Grove Baptist Church in South Pittsburg, Tn.
Mike served as a medic in the United States Army from April 1968 to April 1970. Upon return from his tour of duty, he was awarded two silver stars, the Army Commendation Medal, and the Purple Heart from General Westmoreland. He was also awarded two bronze stars, a good conduct medal, and the combat medic medal.
Mike began his career at the U.S. Post Office as a letter carrier in Hixson in 1972. He retired as Postmaster, Jasper, Tennessee in April 2006 with 38 years of postal service.
Mike was preceded in death by his mother, Ilean Melton Wilson; father, Luke Wilson; and daughter-in-law, Diana Roy Ralls.
He is survived by his son, Philip (Joleen) Wilson; son, Eric Ralls; sister, Penny (Charles) Brown; brother, Stephen (Sharon) Wilson; grandchildren, Katie Wilson, Ryman, Griffin, and Harrison Ralls, Landyn and Bradyn Wilson; special nieces, Robin (J.D.) Randolph and Angie (Jimmy) Stockard; nephews, Brian Wilson and David Wilson; niece, Selena Goodson; and many great and great-great nieces and nephews.
The family will receive visitors on Wednesday, Nov. 21, at Tate Funeral Home in Jasper, Tn. from 11 a.m.-8 p.m. CST.
The funeral service will be Friday, Nov. 23, at 10 a.m. CST and burial at National Cemetery in Chattanooga, Tn. at 1 p.m. EST (12 p.m. CST).
Pallbearers are David Brooks, Greg Chambers, Steve Hale, Jimmy Stockard, Jason Ward, and Raymond Williams. Honorary pallbearers are Charles “Buddy” Brown and J.D. Randolph.