Jeffery Wilson
Jeffery Wilson was born on February 9, 1954, in Chattanooga, Tennessee, to Mary Grace (Wilson) Adkins and James (Jim) Wilson, Sr. On Wednesday, August 13, 2025, his spirit was called home to our Lord and Savior, Jesus Christ.
A proud graduate of Howard High School, home of the Hustling Tigers, Jeffery went on to live a life filled with purpose, resilience, and love.
He is survived by his three sons, Alexander Wilson, Antonio Wilson, and Brandon Wilson; his brother, James (Skip) Wilson Jr.; his sister, Valarie Spence; and his half-brother, Robert Lewis (Margaret) Wilson. He was the devoted grandfather of Alex’s five children, Kalayna C. Wilson, Gabrielia Wilson, Isabella Wilson, Elizabeth Wilson, and Christopher Wilson. Jeffery also leaves to cherish his memory nieces and nephews, Marie Wilson, Marqus Spence, Langston Spence II, LaDeanne (Dena) Wilson, Nikia (Kia) Wilson, and Keilman Wilson; great-niece ShaRee Spence; great-nephews, Jamaal Spence, DeMarqus Spence, LaDarrius Spence, and Amari Spence. He is also survived by aunts, Corrine Jones and Elizabeth (Ervin) Wallace, and Uncle Clarence (Diane) Smith, along with many cousins, extended family members, and beloved friends.
Jeffery was preceded in death by his parents, Grace and Jim; his grandparents, Clifford and Mary; his aunts, Queen and Margaret (Sister); and his uncles, Jeremiah, James, Billie Frank, John, Nathaniel, and Joseph.
Throughout his life, Jeffery embodied strength, service, and compassion. He proudly served his country as a U.S. Marine, achieved a black belt in karate, and was a gifted athlete and avid swimmer. He graduated cum laude from Tennessee State University with a degree in Business Administration and later built a career in construction as a skilled brick mason. Above all, Jeffery will be remembered for his fun-loving spirit, his heart of gold, and the way he was like a superhero to those who loved him.
His legacy lives on in the lives he touched, and while he will be missed dearly, his memory will remain a guiding light for his family and friends.
Public viewing will begin at 9 a.m. on Friday, Aug. 29, followed immediately by the celebration of life at noon in the chapel of John P. Franklin Funeral Home, 1101 Dodds Ave., Chattanooga, 423 622-9995.
Interment will follow at Chattanooga National Cemetery at 1:30 p.m. with military honors.