David Wilder

David Hunter Wilder, 95 passed away peacefully in his sleep at his home on July 6, 2024. A lifelong resident of Mount Gilead, he was the son of the late Luther Garland Wilder and Gladys Cook Wilder.
He was preceded in death by his beloved wife, Alice Lee Lefler Wilder and daughter, Jennifer Sue Wilder, and his much loved brothers, James H. Wilder and Bob A. Wilder.
David had a lifelong impact on the people and community of Mount Gilead. He was one of the first Montgomery County residents to earn Eagle Scout and continued to advise scouts for many years. After graduating from Mount Gilead High School he attended the University of North Carolina in Chapel Hill. He returned home before graduating to take over the family business, Wilder's Grocery. This is where so many people in the community remember him. He was also very proud of his military service during the Korean War and enjoyed telling many interesting stories about his time serving overseas. He was able to give his grandson Maxton his first salute when he commissioned as a Second Lieutenant in the US Army which was an extremely proud moment for him.
David served the Town of Mount Gilead for almost 40 years as a town board member. His care and concern for his community continued even after serving as an elected official. He loved Mount Gilead and always looked for ways to improve the town and the lives of the many people he deeply cared about. Local people looked to him for advice and guidance which he took seriously and gave wisely. He was also happy to provide historical information about people and places in and around Mount Gilead. He was known fondly as the walking encyclopedia. He visited the stores in town regularly and was a member of the "Dollar Club" which met at the Speckled Paw
He was a proud member of Blackmer Lodge. Following in the footsteps of his Civil War veteran grandfather, D. H. Cook, David began his Masonic journey in his 31st year. For nearly 6 ½ decades he personified the tenets of Freemasonry: brotherly love, relief and truth. His lifelong comradeship with Brothers of Blackmer Lodge reflected the values that these men presented, not only in the Fraternity of Freemasonry, yet also to their families, friends, the community, state and the nation. He never refused a duty or a call for assistance. With his wisdom and experience David was a stabilizing power within Blackmer Lodge, whether as a member, an officer, or as Master of the Lodge as he served in 1969. He provided leadership, advice, insights, vision, as well as financial assistance needed to allow Blackmer Lodge to remain the beacon of light it has been since 1850.
He is survived by his daughter Alane Wilder Brown and her husband Steven Brown. His three grandchildren, who he was extremely proud of, Taylor Dansby Brown of Monroe, Georgia, Second Lieutenant Maxton Hunter Brown, currently stationed at Fort Moore, Georgia and Aimee Lee Brown of Tucson, Arizona.
He also leaves behind many loving nieces and nephews as well as many local young men and women he mentored through the years. Please know he was very proud of you all.
Visitation will be Wednesday July 10th from 6 to 8 PM at Edwards Funeral Home in Mount Gilead.
Funeral arrangements are Thursday July 11, 2024 at 10:00 AM at First United Methodist Church in Mount Gilead with Masonic Rites and burial at Sharon Cemetery. All are welcome to a reception following the burial in the fellowship hall at the church.
In lieu of flowers remembrances can be made to: Zion United Methodist Church or First United Methodist Church, P.O. Box 176 Mt. Gilead, NC 27306,or Blackmer Lodge No. 127 P.O. Box 265 Mount Gilead, 27306.
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