John Harrington Wilson

He was preceded in death by his beloved wife of over 60 years, Janet Preble Wilson.  Survivors include his daughter, Sandra W. Hunt (Walter), Wendell, NC; his three sons, John H. Wilson Jr. (Jermaine), Melbourne FL; Wade S. Wilson (Ashley), Wilmington, NC; Mark V. Wilson (Julie), Wilmington NC; beloved grandchildren Walter Skellie Hunt V, Elliot Wilson Hunt, Sloan Hunt Glenn (Adam); John H. Wilson, III, Sajara Angeles Wilson, Spencer Burton Wilson (Charlotte), Emily Dianne Wilson, Mark Van Wilson, Jr. and Lila Jane Wilson; and great granddaughter Rose Isabela Wilson; also surviving are his sister-in-law, Dorothy P. Delaney and several cousins, nieces and nephews.  He is also pre-deceased by a half-sister, Katherine Wilson Andre, Melbourne, FL.

John graduated from Ketterlinus High School in St. Augustine and attended the University of the South in Sewanee, TN, where he had received a football scholarship.  He was a graduate of Vanderbilt University, Nashville TN, having received his degree in civil engineering.  Upon graduation, he worked for the State of Tennessee in Nashville, later moving to Knoxville, TN, where he began working on his masters degree at the University of Tennessee while working for the Tennessee Valley Authority.  In 1963 he and his family moved to Savannah, GA where he worked for the US Army Corps of Engineers.  In 1967 he transferred to the Wilmington NC district where he remained until his retirement in 1990.  After his retirement from the Corps of Engineers, John started a business, Hanover Inspection Company, and was later joined by his son Mark, who now owns and operates the business.

His military career included serving in the US Navy and later serving in the US Coast Guard Reserve, retiring as a Commander.

He was Scoutmaster of Troop 213 (St. John’s Episcopal Church, Wilmington NC) for many years and in that time the Troop made several trips to the Appalachian Trail and to the Philmont Scout Ranch in Cimarron, New Mexico.  

He was also instrumental in creating and organizing “Pop Warner Football” in Wilmington, and coached in the league for many years.

John was an active member of the All Saints Anglican Parish and was one of those instrumental in the beginnings of this church at its current location.  He served the church as Senior Warden, Junior Warden, a Layreader and Chalice Bearer.

A memorial service will be held at 11am, June 29th at All Saints Anglican Parish, 2623 N. College Road, Wilmington NC with the Bishop David Haines officiating.

In lieu of flowers, memorials may be held to All Saints Anglican Church Building Fund at the above address.

Condolences may be sent to the family at www.andrewsmortuary.com