Herschel Manuel Wilson
July 17, 1930 ~ January 11, 2010
Resided in:
Asheville, NC
Asheville Butterfly Trail
Herschel Manuel (Pete) Wilson died on Monday, January 11th, 2010, at the Solace Center in Asheville, NC.
He was born 7.17.30 in Candler, NC to Shufford and Ida Wilson. Pete grew up in Candler and graduated from Candler High School where he was active in sports (basketball and baseball). He enlisted in the Navy upon graduation from HS and served four years.
He married Ruby Jean Herring in 1952. He attended San Diego State College and became a working journalist after graduation, beginning at the San Diego Union newspaper. He earned a Master's Degree in Journalism from Ohio University in Athens, OH and returned to the San Diego area where he continued his career in journalism. He ended his career as a professor of journalism at Humboldt State University in California. Upon retirement, he and his wife moved back to Buncombe County where he became an active member of Central United Methodist Church.
He was preceded in death by his only brother, Arnold Wilson.
He is survived by his wife, Ruby Jean Wilson of Asheville and his brother-in-law, Robert Herring of California.
Memorial contributions may be made to the local chapter of the NAACP.
A service of remembrance will be held at a future date.
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Petty was a special friend in High School where we were in a lot of plays together.The class 0f 48 CHS share wonderful memories of him. He was a wonderful friend. Jean, I hope it is comfort to you that he was loved by all that knew him.
Lorraine Frady Norris
Dear Jean, Gus and I share in your sorrow in the passing of ‘petey’, we always enjoyed our chats with him, he always was so pleasant , we will have you in our prayers, with regards, Shirley and Gus Colagerakis
We offer our condolence to Jean on the passing of the guy we remember
as ‘PeeDee’ in high school. Trips to ball games and with the general association of classmates at CHS.
We will especially remember our last gathering at a class reunion in June 2009. Herschel with coffee cup extended to the waitress, asking ‘more coffee.’
See later old pal.
Evelyn & Bob
My dear Ms. Ruby, I’m so sorry to hear of Mr. Pete’s passing. I’m not sure you’ll know who I am but I worked as a server at Harbor Inn and had lots of fun serving Mr. Pete. Since then I’ve had the blessing of running into him on many occasions seemed like we were always at Sam’s Club. He had the biggest smile and was always laughing. Thank you for the blessing of knowing you both. May you find peace and know how much joy he brought to all who knew him. Love and sympathy, Jody
Dear Jean,
I was fortunate to be one of Pete’s students at HSU. I remember much of what I learned from him. I’ve been known to quote Pete in discussing the pronunciation of a little town called Simi Valley. He was a wonderful man and a caring teacher who taught so many of us so well.
Dear Jean,
Our deepest sympathy. We are so sorry to learn of Hershel’s passing. It was so good to see him with you at the Candler reunion in June. We are shocked and saddened by your loss, a loss also to all of us Candler graduates. We shall miss his leadership and kindness.
With loving prayers,
Barbara and Bert Gillespie
Dear Jean,
So sorry to hear of your loss. I was one of Pete’s many students at Humboldt, and he truly taught me how to be a journalist. He taught not just writing and reporting, but the values, too. He could be a tough SOB of an editor in the classroom, but he was always available to talk to and dispense advice and give us the confidence we needed. He had a great influence on me and on my career, and many others as well. He leaves quite a legacy.
Dear Jean, Sorry to hear about your loss. I was a Pete’s student at HSU in the late 70s-early 80s. I remember him fondly as a teacher who always pushed me hard to be the very best I could be.
I was a student of Pete’s in the early 1980’s. I fondly remember his laugh, his jokes, and his marvelous ability to teach. He was one of my favorite professors and I feel blessed to have known him.
Dear Jean,
So sad to hear of Pete’s passing. You were such wonderful neighbors. Every spring Pete and I shared a plow to get our gardens started. I loved his commitment to journalism, teaching, justice and ready smile. I cab still hear his accent. I heard from Soo many sudents how good he was. We often talked about spelling names correctly and the punishmnt for failing to do so.