Edwin Forest Wilson

1924 - 2008

Edwin Forest Wilson, 84, of Wytheville, Va., passed away Tuesday, September 2, 2008. He was born on May 30, 1924, in Carroll County to Geneva Forest Edwards Wilson and Bernard Edwin Wilson. He is survived by his wife, Hazel Howell Wilson, the love of his life; and his children, Bernard Edwin Wilson, of Troy, N.Y., Brenda Wilson Hopkins and her husband, Hugh Caldwell Hopkins, of Rural Retreat, Va., and Barry Forest Wilson and his wife, Susan Compton Wilson, of Ridley Park, Pa. He is also survived by his grandchildren, Benton Forest Wilson, Chandler Caroline Hopkins, Fletcher Layne Wilson and Jasper Layne Wilson. Surviving are his sisters, Vista Wilson Alderman and Amicita Beamer Hammond. He was predeceased by his brother, James Beamer. Nephews are Nelson Alderman, Jimmy Beamer (predeceased), Andy Beamer and Avery Beamer; and nieces, Donna Alderman Surratt (predeceased), and Charlotte Beamer Shockley.
Edwin was graduated from Hillsville High School in Carroll County in 1942 and from Virginia Polytechnic Institute in 1950 with a bachelor of science degree in agriculture education and later a masters degree. He was a member of Phi Beta Kappa.
He enlisted in the United States Army in February 1945 and was discharged November 28, 1946 with the rank of T4 (Sgt.) having served in the Japanese Occupation Army as a lineman, telephone and telegraph installation supervisor.
Edwin and Hazel were married June 18, 1950, and he began his teaching career at Thomas Walker High School in Lee County, Va. as a vocational agriculture instructor. In July 1952, he was employed at George Wythe High School and enjoyed teaching his students the fundamentals of crop and livestock management and necessary shop/tool skills. He became principal at George Wythe High School in 1967 and subsequently County Vocational Director in 1975, retiring in 1988.
He was active in professional and civic organizations throughout his career and served as president of the Virginia State Agricultural Teachers Association and Parliamentarian for the Virginia Education Association. He was also president of the Wythe County Kiwanis Club and a member of the Masonic Lodge #82 AF and AM serving as master in 1974.
Edwin was a talented person in many fields including being a master craftsman in wood and made most of the wood furniture in his home as well as many smaller items including children's toys and nativity sets enjoyed by many families. He devoted his spare time to gardening, fruit tree production, and being a "honeybee man," all skills that he enjoyed sharing. He was a co-founder of the Mountain Empire Beekeepers Association in 1980 and served as secretary for the organization.
Edwin was a member of the Petunia Christian Church for a number of years and served as co-chairman of the building addition for Petunia and was an elder emeritus.
Funeral services will be held 11 a.m. Friday, September 5, 2008, at Petunia Christian Church with the Rev. Dennis Martin and the Rev. Rufus Spence officiating. Interment will follow in West End Cemetery. American Legion Post #9 will conduct Graveside Military Rites. The family will receive friends on Thursday, September 4, 2008, from 6 to 8 p.m. at the Barnett Funeral Home.
Flowers will be appreciated or memorial contributions may be made to the American Heart Association at 4504 Starkey Road, Suite 115, Roanoke, Va. 24018 in memory of Edwin Wilson. Barnett Funeral Home, Wytheville, Va., is in charge of arrangements.