Calvin Leroy Wilson

his wife of 73 years, Marie Meredith Wilson; his children, Dan Wilson (Alice), Lynne Tulou

(Nicolas) and Susan Wilkinson (Stephen); grandchildren, Shannon Wilson, Paul Tulou, Anna

Tulou Orr, John Wilkinson, Debra Avery, Rebecca Whitenton and David Wilkinson; and 7

great-grandchildren. Buddy attended Virginia Polytechnic Institute and the University of

Richmond. He entered the United States Army Air Force in 1943, rising to the rank of 1st

Lieutenant and serving as a flight instructor. After that, he continued flying as a reservist with the

Air Force until 1956. Employed by Reynolds Metals Company in 1945, Buddy worked in

Research and Development for 37 years. As a research engineer, he was granted 17 patents.

His job titles included coordinator of research and plant services, project director, and director of

development. Buddy spent weekends at the family cottage on the Rappahannock River,

boating, fishing and crabbing. Retiring from Reynolds in 1982, he followed a lifelong dream,

moving to the river where he designed and built a new home with the original cottage as a wing.

He then secured a commercial fishing license, built a crab pound and began harvesting soft

shell crabs and rockfish commercially. Always looking for more efficient tools, he continued

creating unique inventions to facilitate his work on the river. A celebration of his life will be held

at St. Michael’s Episcopal Church, Bon Air, VA, Saturday, March 3, at 3:00 p.m. A reception will

follow. Memorial contributions may be made to your favorite charity. Condolences may be conveyed online at www.NelsenRichmond.com