He was preceded in death by his father, John Richard Wilson; grandparents, Mary Kathryn Printz and Joseph Milton Printz, as well as John Clifford and Dorothy Mae Wilson, all of Springfield, OH.
Survivors include his mother, Mary JoAnn Wilson of Gallatin, TN; partner, James Bomar of Atlanta, GA; three children, Mary Kathryn Locke (Alan) of Franklin, TN, Rebekah Elaine Price (Chase) of Columbus, NC and John Michael Wilson of Knoxville, TN; siblings, Susan Hamilton (Ron) of Townsend, TN, Scott Wilson of Warner Robins, GA, Stephanie Harville (Richie) of Gallatin, TN; two grandchildren, Adelaide Jo Locke and Sawyer Anthony Price; six nieces and nephews; and dear friend, Emmanuell Hicks.
A great spark in our family has been lost. He had a wonderful sense of humor and was always great at telling a story. He always tried to see the positive side of things and the best in everyone. He had a heart for helping others and giving hope to those who had none. Steven graduated from Gallatin High School in Gallatin, TN, in 1980. He received a B.S. in Geology in 1984 from the University of Tennessee and an M.S. in Education in 1985. He recently retired from the State of Georgia Department of Natural Resources after a 29-year career with the State of Tennessee Department of Environment and Conservation. Steven was a gifted and meticulous handyman, who was always excited to share updates on projects in his home and garden. Whether it was electrical, computers, plumbing, tiling, small engine repair, cabinetry, custom crown molding, stonework, or fountain design for his fishpond, he could do it. As an avid gardener, he had a great eye for design, a lush lawn, and landscaping full of carefully selected plants. His garden was his pride and joy, and it was always a pleasure to join him on walks around the yard admiring the beauty he created with his arbor, bistro lights, vining edibles, and bonsais. Steven was also a wonderful cook. His clam chowder, pies, cakes, and baked macaroni and cheese will be missed by all. Steven had a deep faith, was active in the church, and loved to sing in the choir. On more than one occasion, he sang alongside his three children at holiday concerts. In his earlier years, he was an avid fisherman, hiker, and backpacker who held and inspired a deep appreciation for nature and wildlife.
The family will receive friends Saturday, April 30, 2022 between the hours of 10:00 a.m. until Noon in the chapel of Berry Funeral Home at 3704 Chapman Hwy, Knoxville, TN, 37920 with a service to follow. The Memorial Service will be Live-Streamed and may be viewed on the Berry Funeral Home Facebook page. An entombment will follow at Sherwood Memorial Gardens, 3176 Airport Hwy, Alcoa, TN 37701.
In lieu of flowers, the family requests memorials be made to UT Gardens to establish a memorial tree or bench in Steven’s memory. (UT Institute of Agriculture, 114 Morgan Hall, Knoxville, TN 37996) or donate online at https://utgardens.tennessee.edu/support/donate-to-the-ut-gardens/. (To donate online, select ‘Support UT Gardens Knoxville’ and under comments, indicate memorial gift with contact as Susan Hamilton, 212 Ace Gap Rd, Townsend, TN 37882).
The family invites friends to share fond memories and sign the online guestbook at www.berryfuneralhome.com
