He was a Class of 1952 graduate of Sidney Lanier High School in Montgomery, AL, a 1971 graduate of Command and General Staff College, a 1978 graduate of Army War College and a 1978 graduate of Shippensburg State College in Shippensburg, PA.
Col. Wilson completed Basic Training at Fort Jackson, SC in 1952, was commissioned 2nd Lieutenant at age 19 and promoted to full Colonel at age 40. He served in five foreign countries and completed four tours at the Pentagon. Col. Wilson served our country for almost 32 years in the US Army before retiring in 1983 at the rank of Colonel. His decorations included the Defense Superior Service Medal, Legion of Merit, Meritorious Service Medal with Two Oak Leaf Clusters, Army Commendation Medal with Silver Oak Leaf (6 awards), Republic of Korea Samil Medal, Vietnam Campaign Medal with 4 Campaign Stars, Presidential Meritorious Unit Award (11th ACR-1968) and Expert Infantry Badge and Army General Staff Badge.
He was a member of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-Day Saints where he served as High Priest, Stake Clerk, and Ward Clerk, was a member of Bishopric, and served on the High Stakes Council. Colonel Wilson’s military and civil careers allowed him and his family to live in beautiful places all over the world. He finally ended up settling in Irmo, SC in 2013 where he was closer to family and surrounded by a wonderful group of friends and neighbors.
Col. Wilson is survived by his wonderful wife, Ruth C. Wilson; three fantastic children, Lisa J. Clasen, Denise E. Wilson (deceased), Robert W. Wilson and five amazing grandchildren, Matthew M. Clasen, Rachel E. Clasen, Rebecca M. Clasen, Jacob P. Clasen and Gillian N. Wilson.
A graveside service will be held at 11:00 a.m. on Wednesday, February 24, 2021 at Fort Jackson National Cemetery and will livestream via Caughman-Harman Funeral Home, Chapin Chapel's Facebook page. The family will receive friends from 5:00 p.m. to 7:00 p.m. on Tuesday, February 23, 2021 at Caughman-Harman Funeral Home, Chapin Chapel. In lieu of flowers, memorials may be made to the Wounded Warriors Program, P.O. Box 758516, Topeka, Kansas 66675-8516 or online at www.woundedwarriorproject.org.
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Wounded Warrior ProjectPO Box 758516, Topeka, Kansas 66675-8516
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