John Lewis Wilson

With great sadness, we announce the passing of John Lewis Wilson Jr., who died on Easter Sunday, April 9, 2023, following the death of his beloved wife, Sarah Jane Hoadley Wilson, on November 15, 2021. Jack had written his own obituary, which is why we can say with certainty that he lived a life full of love, adventure, and purpose.

Jack and Sarah Wilson were high school sweethearts who graduated from Vestal Central High School in 1951. Despite Sarah's initial desire to attend college, her father discouraged it, but she found success in the business world, becoming the owner of Hoadley Trailer Sales and the largest RV dealer in the county. She eventually earned her BA from UNCC graduating Summa Cum Laude in 1992. Jack went on to a career at IBM, starting from the very bottom and rising through the ranks.

Together, Jack and Sarah raised three children, Pamela (PK), Dawn Marie, and Terry, and they embarked on many adventures. They learned to water ski, navigate boats, and became certified SCUBA divers. Their travels took them all over the world, from Europe to Australia and New Zealand, and throughout the United States.

Jack's passion for music led him to become an accomplished SPEBSQSA barbershop quartet singer, while Sarah devoted her time to philanthropic work, especially through her involvement in PEO, helping women complete their educations. She helped approximately one hundred grant recipients and taught other PEO chapters in the Charlotte area how to apply for these grants.

Jack and Sarah's love for each other was evident in everything they did, from planning epic parties for dozens of friends to making untold numbers of perfect loaves of Easter bread at a time. Jack described their life decisions as being driven by Sarah's guidance, and they both lived their lives to the fullest.

Jack and Sarah are survived by their three children, daughters Pamela Kay (PK) Donson, husband Ron, of Davidson; Dawn Marie Wilson of Black Mountain NC; Son, Terry Wilson, wife Deanna of Davidson. Grandchildren Annelies Fryberger, husband Jens Beckert, their children Jasper and Beatrice, of Cologne, Germany; Carolyn Fryberger and partner T Land
and their children Macy, Reagan, Jack, and Calvin, of Durham, NC; and Brian Archer, wife Dana, daughters Rory and Esme of Scotts Valley, CA. Also surviving are Sarah’s dear sister, Mary Pease (Jerry) of Locust, NC and their children, aka The Chippy Cheepies and nieces and nephews. Donations may be made to either The Sarah Hoadley Wilson Scholarship, UNC Charlotte, 9201 University Blvd., Charlotte, NC 28223 c/o Amy Shehee (https://oases.charlotte.edu/scholarships/oases-scholarships/sarah-wilson-0, Foundation 218 – or –  P.E.O. Foundation, 3700 Grand Avenue, Des Moines, IA 50312, please make checks payable to PEO Foundation and include the memo: Sarah Wilson Fund, Fund #8515.

Jack would like to leave you with this poem by Colleen Corah Hitchcock

Ascension
 
And  if I  go,
While you’re still here...
Know that I live on,
vibrating to a different measure
-behind a thin veil you cannot see through.
You will not see me,
So you must have faith.
I wait for the time
When we can soar together again,
-both unaware of each other.
Until then, live your life to its fullest.
And when you need me,
Just whisper my name in your heart,
…I will be there.

A memorial service will be held on May 10, 2023 at 2:00 pm at Davidson United Methodist Church Chapel. To leave online condolences, please visit www.KepnerFH.com.