Grady Dock Wilson, Jr.
January 1, 1924 ~ February 22, 2008
Resided in:
Asheville, NC
Asheville Butterfly Trail
Grady Dock Wilson, Jr., 84, of 25 Lincoln Avenue, Asheville, passed away Friday, February 22, 2008, at his home.
He was born January 1, 1924, in Asheville, and was the first son of the late Grady D. and Ella Price Wilson. He was preceded in death by his beloved wife of 55 years, Maxine (Mom) Miller Wilson, brother Fred Wilson, and sister Sara VanValkenburg.
He is survived by his sons, Grady D. Wilson, III and wife, Linda L. Wilson, Dr. J. Timothy and wife, Dr. Lusia L. Wilson, Marcus E. and wife Jean J. Wilson; daughters, Mary E. Wilson, Patricia Stout and husband Donald Stout. Grady (Pop) has seven grandchildren, Michelle, April, Kelly, Marie, Marcie, Alan and Kevin; seven great-grandchildren and numerous cousins, nieces and nephews.
Grady was a graduate of Lee Edwards High School, Class of 1943 and served in World War II with the US Army's 8th Air Corps. Following his discharge in 1946, he worked at the Ford Motor Plant in Dallas, TX. In 1947 he returned to Asheville and began working for American Enka as a millwright. He retired from Enka in 1986 as a Master Mechanic with several patents to his credit.
Grady and Maxine raised a "full house" of "above average" children who were supported through the scouting program, baseball and other high adventures. Pop taught us how to use our hands and the understanding of things mechanical. He was always only a phone call away to help. Pop and Mom shaped us to become Eagle Scouts, a doctor, a nurse, an Army Master Aviator/Officer, professionals, mothers and fathers.
The family wishes to thank numerous family friends for their help. Special thanks to Geneva Heath and Dr. Virgil Thrash for their aid during this time.
The family will receive friends at noon Monday, February 25, 2008, at Groce Funeral Home on Patton Avenue. Graveside military rites, provided by the Buncombe County Veterans Council Memorial Team, will follow at 1:00 pm at Green Hills Cemetery.
In lieu of flowers, donations may be made in Grady's name to the Boy Scouts of America, Daniel Boone Council, c/o Greg Hutchins, PO Box 7647, Asheville, NC 28802.
I remember Mr. Wilson as a warm and kind father of my grade school friend Rusty. From time to time I was invited into Rusty’s home. Mr. Wilson was always warm and kind and always attempted to engage me in conversation. To have raised as many children as he and Mrs. Wilson did, and to have them all turn out to be such good people and citizens is indeed an impressive accomplishment in life. My condolences to Rusty, and to all of the Wilson family and friends.
David Waldrop
Jerry and I were so sorry to read about Grady, and know your family has lost someone so dear! Lincoln Avenue won’t be the same without Grady and Maxine.
Our thoughts and prayers are with you all at this time. Blessings!
Love,
Jerry and Nancy
I am going to miss Grady not stopping by the plant every now and then. It was always good talking with him.
Dear Wilson family, My sincere concolences for the loss of your father. I remember spending nights with Mary and Trish and the wonderful times in such a loving home. I am sure the loving memories of your parents will be with you forever. Both of my parents are still in Oakley and both in their 80’s. So, I too will have to cross this bridge sometime soon. My thoughts and prayers are with you during this difficult time.
Marc and family. So very sorry to hear of your father’s passing. Know that our thoughts and prayers are with each of you during this difficult time.
Jeff, Brenda, And JT Brown
Grady(Rusty), Tim, Mark and the entire Wilson clan:
It has been way too many years since we were together in Boy Scout Troop 3 at Trinity United Methodist Church. I remember fondly many good times with the Wilson Boys, your Dad and Uncle Bill and many others.
I am sorry to learn of the passing of another ‘great scout.’ The world is a better place because your Dad walked among us. His dedication to his family and scouting provide a lasting legacy. He was a wonderful man and a great scout leader.
Please find comfort in the knowledge that others care, fondly remember, and lift you up in prayer. Well done, thou good and faithful servant…
Marc, Tim, Grady, Patricia and Mary,
Please accept the sympathy from the entire Daniel Boone Council Scouting family. The passing of a parent is a difficult event and no one can say ‘ we know how you must feel’ even those of us who have endured the passing of a parent. A father’s love and relationship is a very special bond between each child. Know that the family is in our prayers. The Wilson family is a very special Scouting family. You are all loved and appreciated.
Marc,
Please know my thoughts and prayers are always with you.
Alice
Our love and prayers for God’s comfort for each of you during this time of loss. What good memories of growing up on Lincoln Ave. Your family also helped shaped my life and I love you all.
David
Dear Wilson kids – I still think of all of the Lincoln Avenue gang as kids. What wonderful memories we all shared and how fortunate we all were to have such a loving, great neighborhood with some many surrogate parents to watch over us. When I think of you all, I remember Grady calling you all home with his whistle and I remember your Mom giving us all shots. How hard it is to give up those we love (even from a distance)because it reminds us of the shortness of life. I give thanks for all of you and pray that God will enfold you in his loving arms and carry you through this time of sorrow. Remember the happy times together and take strength in knowing we are all praying for you. Love to all. Libby Clark Jamison
I met Grady and Maxine in March of 1993 when we moved in next door to them on Lincoln Ave. I spent many happy moments with him and Maxine when she was alive and enjoyed Grady’s war stories. He loved his dog Sassy so much and we wouldn’t have gotten Tigger, her litter mate, without Maxine. Grady always watched out for us and Tigger. I was sorry to hear of his passing. Grady, Maxine and their children, especially Trish, hold a special place in my heart. My heart goes out to the family.
Grady’s Family, We have known Grady since childhood and knew his Father Grady, Sr., his Mother, and sister Sarah. Grady was one of our 408 graduates of the Class of 43 at Lee Edwards High School and brings the total know deceased in that class to 197. We are never ready to lose our loved ones and the only comfort has to be our Faith in the Sovereignty of God and the manifested concern of caring friends. We just hope in some small way it does help to know others do care. We hold you in our prayers. Joe Clark