Francis Ray Wilson, Sr.

Francis Ray Wilson, Sr., MSgt. USAF, Retired, passed away in the early morning hours of Sunday, August 3, 2025, at Bowers Hospice House, Beckley, West Virginia.

Affectionately known as Buster since childhood, he was born in Beards Fork, West Virginia on August 14, 1931, to the late Hazel Davis Wilson and Donald F. Wilson. He was the eldest of nine children, and was the last surviving sibling.

After graduation from Oak Hill High School (WV) in 1949, Buster joined the US Air Force, and earned the nicknames Buck, Red, and Frank. One of his early assignments took him to Scott AFB in Illinois, where he met and charmed the girl of his dreams, Marilyn Mank, with his bright red hair and dancing blue eyes (and oh my, did he love to dance!). During their 63 years of married life, they raised six children and traveled to almost every state in the US, in addition to the Philippine Islands.

Buster’s high-level math and electronics skills helped promote him to the rank of Master Sergeant during his 20+ years in the US Air Force, and then provided him with an 18-year career in flight control equipment maintenance with the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA). During his Air Force career, he obtained Top Secret CRYPTO Clearance, which was utilized during his multiple deployments to Viet Nam.

But he couldn’t wait to come home to his native Fayette County, so he moved with his family in 1975, and became a member of Sts. Peter and Paul Catholic Church, where he was a faithful member for 50 years. Buster was a Lifetime member of Knights of Columbus.

He was predeceased by Marilyn in 2019, son, Charlie Wilson, sons-in-law, Thomas Messere and Greg Bostic, daughter-in-law, Diana Perry Wilson and grandson, Jesse Workman, along with all eight younger siblings (Richard “Babe” Wilson, Dale Wilson, Mike Wilson, Sue Aliff, Joyce Pauli, Faye Hammer, Don “Tink” Wilson and Linda Sharpe). Survivors include son, Francis Wilson, Jr., daughters Nancy Workman (Eddie), Patricia Depouw (Randy), Sandra Messere and Christy Bostic; and, by sisters-in-law Sharon Mank and Sandra Wilson. He was a proud Grandpa to Melissa, Megan and Myranda, Seth and Luke, Christopher and Autumn, John Mark and David, and Brandon, along with many great grandchildren, great-great grandchildren, nieces and nephews.

The Wilson Family wishes to thank Hospice of Southern West Virginia for sending God’s angels on earth, Stephanie and Cari, to care for Buster while he shared the home of his daughter and son-in-law. Special thanks to Casey and Daniel, for providing additional care and loving support. His final days were spent with the wonderful nurses and staff at Bowers Hospice House, and we cannot thank them enough for their care.

There will be no visitation, but please feel free to join the Wilson Family for military graveside services, Thursday, August 7, 2025, 1:00 pm, at Huse Memorial Park, Fayetteville, West Virginia.

In lieu of flowers, please consider donations to Hospice of Southern West Virginia or Fayette County Public Libraries. Arrangements by Tyree Funeral Home, Oak Hill, West Virginia.