Wilson Chambers Huntley

Born in the original Rex Hospital in Raleigh, Wilson grew up in Cameron Park, attended Raleigh public schools, attended Appalachian State University, and graduated from NCSU with a degree in agricultural economics.

Family was always first and foremost. He was the fourth in a family of five children and, as birth order often dictates, began by following suit with the older ones while gradually assuming the role of big brother with the youngest one.

He relished his time in a neighborhood Boy Scout troop that frequently escaped city life by going camping and was active in his family church. He enjoyed family trips to Ocean Isle Beach, NC, at a time when few homes dotted the island and candles lit the night every time a storm blew. His times with extended family were regular around holidays and summer breaks. After high school and before “gap year” had a name, he spent a year working for an extended family member on a wheat ranch in Washington and made enough money to support himself and to buy a used Rambler to drive cross country to Raleigh.

He and his wife Tracy married on Sept. 20, 1980, and not long after began their own core family.

He retired from the NCSU Department of Biological and Agricultural Engineering in 2011 where he spent 30+ years working for nationally ranked professors, traveling to experimental farms, training graduate students in field research, and even catching the occasional snake if warranted. Goal-oriented, Wilson was a born do-it-yourselfer and a valued member of any team.

Quick with a quip, even in his final days, he loved having his family close at home and on outings, including beach trips where he enjoyed keeping a watchful eye on those in the ocean, going on fishing trips with his children, and taking regular fall trips to the mountains to commemorate his wedding anniversary.

Wilson’s faith and relationship with the Lord were very important to him. He wanted his life to be a testament to that. Wilson was a servant to others and considered it a privilege to volunteer his time and talents. Wilson served as a Sunday School teacher for 4 and 5 year-olds for over 20 years.

Wilson was a member of a large loving family, both immediate and extended. Survivors include his wife of 40 years, Tracy Daniell Huntley, and their children Allan (and wife Tara Mink Huntley and their children Ethan and Anna), Reid (and wife Alejandra Berrier Huntley and their son Leo), Mary (and husband Brad Fogleman and their children Emme and Wade), Natalie Huntley, and Judy Huntley. His five grandchildren affectionately called him “Poppy” and spent many afternoons playing together at the house he shared with Tracy, known lovingly as “Teetah.”

He is also survived by his mother Virginia Rea Huntley; sister Nancy Huntley and her daughter Hannah Whitley; brother Roy Huntley and wife Ann and their children Ginnie, Harry, and Johnny Huntley; and brother George Huntley and wife Emilia and their children Sam, Aaron, and David Huntley.

In addition, he is survived by his mother-in-law Mary Dill; sister-in-law Cathy Daniell Bloom and husband Ron Bloom and their daughters Michelle McNeil and her husband Niles, and Marilyn Dantin and her husband Danny; and sister-in-law Juanita Daniell.

Also surviving are numerous aunts, uncles, and cousins with whom he’s shared a lifetime of memorable adventures and meaningful conversations.

Wilson was predeceased by his father Watt C. Huntley, Jr., his paternal grandparents Mr. and Mrs. Watt C. Huntley of Wadesboro, his maternal grandparents Mr. and Mrs. Zeb M. Rea of Matthews, his fathers-in-law Robert Daniell and Ed Dill of Atlanta, GA, and his brother Neal Huntley.

Out of concerns for general health and welfare as well as current restrictions imposed by Covid-19, a private memorial service to celebrate Wilson’s life will be held at Peace Presbyterian Church, 1777 W. Chatham St., Cary, NC 27513. Please click the link to watch Wilson’s private memorial service, https://youtu.be/0noPX6fTJ0U

Also, due to safety concerns over the COVID-19 virus, the family will not receive guests after the service.

In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions can be sent in Wilson’s honor to Peace Church’s benevolence fund 1777 W. Chatham St. Cary, NC 27513, or to a charity of your choice.