Timothy "Buckwheat" Wilson

“A great soul serves everyone all the time. A great soul never dies. It brings us together again and again.” - Maya Angelou

Timothy McCoy Wilson, known by many as “Buckwheat”, born on July 3, 1953, to the late Mable Jones Wilson Green and the late James Philip Wilson in South Hill, Virginia. Tim passed away unexpectedly and departed this life at Doctor's Memorial Hospital on June 26, 2022, in Modesto, California.

Tim moved to California, in 1973, at the age of 18, where he attended Merced Community College. Shortly after, he met the love of his life, Linda, in 1975 while working together at International Imports. The two later married and in September of 1985, they welcomed their only child, Elaina, into the world. They spent 20 years together, and the love they shared of their daughter was a bond that allowed them to remain best of friends until his passing.

Tim was well known in the community and left a lasting impression on the hearts of many. Best known for having a heart of gold with an upbeat and optimistic attitude towards life. He woke up daily, rain or shine with a smile on his face. No matter what life threw his way, he made no complaints and saw the bright side of everything. He was a giver not a taker. Being the optimist he was, he always saw the glass half full and could convince anyone that it was never half empty. He was a great example of strength and the ability to overcome adversity with love and a firm believer in the Lord.

Tim was a hardworking man, who many knew from his years spent as Groundskeeper at Evergreen Memorial Cemetery. In more recent years, he enjoyed staying active and had to be convinced of his actual age. He swore he would live forever, and he will. In our hearts. In the late 80’s and early 90’s he was a member of Club Mercedes and enjoyed playing softball and “hangin’ with the guys”. He enjoyed fishing, collecting antique and vintage collectibles, and gardening (especially assisting neighbors with their gardens or housework). Most of all, he loved spending time with his daughter and his grand doggie - Little Bit, "Littles", the greatest gift he could have ever given to his daughter. Anyone who knew Tim, knew his daughter was the light of his life and her number one fan and supporter of all her endeavors. “Dream without Fear”.

He leaves behind to mourn: Daughter - Elaina Wilson of Merced, CA; Lifetime best friend/former spouse - Linda Elliott-Wilson, Merced, CA; Sister - Brenda (William) Gregory, South Hill Virginia; Brothers - Ricky (Eunice) Wilson, Norfolk, VA; Michael Wilson, West, VA; Calvin (Alicia) Green, Roanoke, VA; and Roger Green, Beaumont, VA; a host of many nieces and nephews, and the many friends he met along the way. He is preceded in death by parents Mable and Philip; Aunt Meg and Uncle Lawrence; Sister - Mary “Biddie” Gross; Brothers - Alvin Jones, Larry Wilson, Joe Wilson, and Cornell Wilson.

The family would like to thank the many who have reached out showing love and support during this very difficult time. We hope that you allow for his bright spirit to live on by spreading love and kindness to all, as he did each day while here on earth. The family will hold a private service and a Celebration of Life will be held for family and friends in his hometown in Virginia, to ensure that his wishes of "going home" are fulfilled.

Fond memories and expressions of sympathy may be shared at www.stratfordevansfunerals.com for the Wilson family.