CW3 Leon R. Wilson, Jr.

CW3 Leon Rester Wilson, Jr., US Army (Ret.) 87, of North Charleston, SC, widower of Ruth Ann Myers Wilson, entered into eternal rest Wednesday, December 21, 2022. His Funeral Service will be held Friday, December 30, 2022 at 12:00pm, in the J. Henry Stuhr Inc., West Ashley Chapel, 3360 Glenn McConnell Parkway, Charleston, SC 29414.  Interment will follow at Live Oak Memorial Gardens on Ashley River Rd., Charleston.  The family will receive friends at the funeral home Thursday, December 29, 2022 from 4:00 pm - 6:00 pm. Arrangements by J. Henry Stuhr, Inc.

Lee was born at 9 Percy Street, May 14, 1935 in Charleston, SC, son of the late Leon Rester Wilson, Sr. and Louisa Wilson.  He married his high school sweetheart, Ruth, in 1954 and they shared 63 wonderful years together.  He was a graduate of Carlisle Military Academy and entered the United States Army in 1955 as an enlisted engineer.  Lee served two tours in Vietnam, was twice awarded the Bronze Star and earned three Purple Hearts.  He retired as a CW3, after faithfully serving his country for 20 years.  After his retirement from the military, Lee worked for Charleston County as a morgue supervisor and rose to the position of Chief Medical Investigator.  He was also a member the South Carolina Law Enforcement Division (SLED).  He earned his PhD in Forensic Sciences at the age of 65 and was addressed by others as "Dr. Lee".  After his retirement from Charleston County, he worked as a Reserve Officer for FEMA under Health and Human Services, and was deployed to assist with the recovery and identification efforts from Hurricane Katrina and the earthquake in Haiti.  Lee was involved with the CSS Hunley when it was raised from Charleston Harbor in 2000 and was part of the forensics team investigation.  He served as a volunteer and was part of the 4th Crew of  the Friends of the Hunley for 22 years.  He was a member of Sons of Confederate Veterans (SCV) and had a passion for re-enactments.  He attended Grace Alliance Church and faithfully served in many capacities for 36 years.

Dr. Lee dearly loved his family, the Lowcountry, fishing, traveling and serving others.  He will be greatly missed by his family and friends.

He is survived by five children; son, Lt. Col (Ret.) Leon "Ress" (Mirna) Wilson of Sumter, SC; Leigh Anne (Kris) Lewis of Sekiu, WA, Tracy (Andy) Carter of Scottsville, KY, Stephanie (Tony) Fairbanks of Beaufort, SC and Michele W. (Rodney) Hairfield of Sumter, SC; one sister, Doris Branham of Santee, SC; thirteen grandchildren and five great-grandchildren.

His family would also like to acknowledge Ms. Sarah Frye, who tenderly and lovingly cared for him and for whom Dr. Lee held a very special place in his heart.

He was preceded in death by his parents and one sister, Carol Jones.

In lieu of flowers, please consider a donation in Dr. Lee's name to:  Friends of the Hunley, 1250 Supply St, Charleston, SC 29405.

A memorial message may be sent to the family by visiting our website at www.jhenrystuhr.com.