1st SGT U.S. Army (Ret.) Lawrence "Bud" Roy Wilson Jr.

March 23, 1929 – April 6, 2026

First Sergeant Wilson, a resilient patriot, devoted father, and honored veteran, passed away peacefully on April 6, 2026, at the age of 97. Born in Hamtramck, Michigan, in March of 1929, he lived a life defined by extraordinary service, sacrifice, and an unbreakable spirit.

A man of early conviction, he became a Merchant Seaman in 1944, serving two seasons for the Army Transportation Corps during the waning years of World War II. In January of 1947, he officially enlisted in the Army Air Corps, beginning a distinguished military career that would span two decades.

In August of 1950, he deployed to South Korea, assigned to the 3rd Battalion Aid Station, 23rd Infantry Regiment, 2nd Infantry Division. It was there, on May 18, 1951, that then-Sergeant Wilson was captured by the Chinese Army. For two harrowing years, he was classified as "Missing in Action." From May of 1951 until September 5, 1953, he was held as a "Prisoner of War" before finally gaining his freedom during "Operation Big Switch." His endurance during this time remained a testament to his character for the rest of his life. Following his return, he continued his dedicated service until his retirement on November 1, 1967, holding the distinguished rank of First Sergeant.

He was preceded in death by his beloved wife of fifty-six years, Bertha Louise Anderson. Their long and devoted marriage was the foundation of a proud military family. Together, they raised two sons who followed in their father’s footsteps, both retiring from the United States Army.

An avid fisherman and a tireless advocate, First Sergeant Wilson dedicated his retirement to raising awareness for his fellow POWs and the Americans who remain MIA. He was a pillar of the veteran community, maintaining active memberships in the Department of North Carolina American Ex-Prisoners of War, the Fayetteville Chapter of the American Ex-Prisoners of War, Veterans of Foreign Wars Post 670, American Legion Post 32, Disabled American Veterans, and Rolling Thunder NC Chapter 1.

He is survived by his two sons, Larry Wilson and his wife Eunji, and Richard Wilson and his wife Lucinda Sue. He leaves behind a lasting legacy through his four grandchildren: Jonathan Wilson (Lori Sheers) of Leadville, CO; Mr. and Mrs. Lance & Kristi Wilson of Shawnee, OK; Mr. and Mrs. Loren Sherry Wilson of Cuba, MO; and Jennifer Wilson of Shawnee, OK; as well as nine great-grandchildren.

A service with full military honors will be held at Sandhills State Veterans Cemetery on Friday, May 1, 2026 at 2:00 pm. First Sergeant Wilson will be laid to rest alongside his wife, Louise, reunited at last.

In his memory, may we never forget those who served, those who were captured, and those who have yet to come home.

The family will have a Celebration of Life on Thursday, April 30, 2026, from 5:00 – 7:00 PM at VFW 670, 3928 Doc Bennett Road, Fayetteville, NC 28306 and the funeral will be on Friday, May 1, 2026, at 2:00 PM at Sandhills State Veterans Cemetery, 8220 Bragg Blvd., Spring Lake, NC 28390

In lieu of flowers, donations can be made to Rolling Thunder North Carolina Chapter 1, P.O. Box 65325, Fayetteville, NC 28306.