Luther Neil Wilson

There was celebration and much rejoicing in heaven on March 12, 2022 when Luther Neil Wilson was welcomed Home. Born August 28, 1933 in York County, Clover, S.C. to John Lee Wilson and Lillian Mae Faris Wilson, he was raised in the Clover ARP Church. He became the “man of the house” at twelve due to his father’s premature death. At an early age, he started working at the mill after school to help the family. He played baseball in the textile league (the youngest player) and played football, basketball, and baseball in high school. He graduated the first year the twelfth grade was required. He attended Columbia Business College where he met Grace, his bride of 66 years, and they were married in Kingstree Presbyterian Church. While in school he supplemented his income by working at Jordan’s Drug Store after school until nine each night. He was a Navy Navigator for four years during the Korean War, lived in San Diego, California where he was stationed. When discharged from the Navy they lived in Clover a short time before moving back to Columbia to continue his education at the University of South Carolina. They bought their home of 59 years in West Columbia, where they enjoyed wonderful neighbors who have always been an essential part of their world. They have been members of Centennial ARP Church for 62 years where he served the Lord as a deacon, an elder, a teacher (primaries), and superintendent of the Sabbath School. Together with Grace, they sang in the choir for a while. He was a member of the John Bigham Men’s Bible Class and was responsible for the selection of Bible Songs to be sung as well as handled the finances for the class. Always serving the Lord, they had fond memories of Bonclarken retreats and the church family gatherings. His love for the Lord was clearly represented in his walk of life.

Luther was the Charter President of the Cayce-West Columbia Kiwanis Club installed August 1974 and remained a member serving as president several times. He was a member of the EAGC-Executive Association of Greater Columbia. In November 1997, he was recognized for 35 years of employment with Martin Marietta, officially retired March 1998 as Senior Sales Representative, SC District. He was a member of the Carolina Gamecock Club for 43 consecutive years.

He enjoyed golfing with his buddies and his grandson Benjamin, and fishing with his granddaughter Katie. He was an avid Gamecock fan and included traveling to football games among his other travels to Hawaii, Canada, Alaska. Weather patterns intrigued him, always giving an update on the weather, meticulous with numbers and keeping records, apparent skills from his Navy years. His jovial personality and quick wit made him an excellent salesman. It was his determination and strength that pulled him through many critical care situations, it had been joked he had nine lives like a cat. His life was full, compassionate and always welcoming; he always made people feel like they belonged. The family could always count on Pop to take care of the pets, which he jokingly called the zoo. He has run his race well, we rejoice in the fact that he is home now with many loved ones that have gone on before him, the party has begun in heaven.

His joy in life was his family. He cherished his wife of 66 years and was so proud of his son John Lee Wilson (Jayda). His younger brother, Grier Knox Wilson, preceded him in death years ago. He adored his grandchildren, Benjamin Walker Wilson (Valeri) and Katie Rebecca Wilson (James) and you can’t put into words how much he loved his great grandchildren, Audrey Grace, Walker Lee, Ramsey Lane, and Alice Grace. He was lovingly referred to as “Pop” by his grandchildren and great grandchildren as well as all their friends who he embraced as his adopted grandkids.

Thank you to our friends and his, for the many prayers and the support we have received. You have all been a witness to us of God’s love.

A funeral service will be held at 11:00 a.m. Wednesday, March 16, 2022 at Centennial ARP Church, with a private burial in Celestial Memorial Gardens. The family will receive friends one hour prior to the service at the church.

Memorials may be made to Centennial ARP Church, 1413 Laurel Street, Columbia, SC 29201.

Dunbar Funeral Home, Devine Street Chapel, is assisting the family. Memories may be shared at www.dunbarfunerals.com.