Frank Nahum Wilder Jr.

Frank Nahum Wilder, Jr, 87, passed away peacefully at his home surrounded by family on August 13, 2025. A service celebrating his life will be held on Saturday, August 23rd at Simpsonville Baptist Church, 7208 Shelbyville Rd, Simpsonville, KY 40067 at 11:00 am.

Visitation with the family will be held at Ratterman Brothers East Funeral Home, 12900 Shelbyville Road Louisville, KY 40243, on Friday evening, August 22nd, from 5-8 pm.

Frank was born on November 1, 1937, in Wilmington, Delaware. His family moved to Louisville, Kentucky in1941.

He graduated from Eastern High School in Louisville, Kentucky in 1955. He attended the University of Kentucky for 2 years, then enlisted in the Army. That decision led him to Fort Chaffee just outside Fort Smith, Arkansas where he met the love of his life, Joyce (Summerhill) Wilder. They were married on October 21st, 1960. They moved back to Louisville, Kentucky where Frank pursued his dream of developing a small business selling and servicing consumer electronics. Wilder Electronics in St. Matthews opened the day after they married and was an icon there for over 45 years. His love of music and people was the perfect combination to create a thriving business that he and Joyce literally built from the ground up.

That same love for music gave him the passion to collect and listen to any/all albums he could find. His collection included over 50,000 records that he enjoyed listening to and introducing friends, neighbors, and family to each one complete with the story of the song and the artist.

He was passionate about friends and family so he naturally loved introducing them to his favorite vacation spot and eventually their retirement location of Panama City Beach.

Frank's puzzle table was an invitation to come and sit, chat a while, listen to his great stories… and maybe just add a piece to the puzzle in progress.

Frank had a welcoming smile and never met a stranger. His was a quiet, but sure, faith in God knowing the assurance he had of life eternal because of his surrendering his life to Christ and acknowledging Him as Lord and Savior.

The legacy he cherished and deeply loved is the family he and Joyce shared. He'd tell you all about them if you'd listen for just a minute. He would want to share each one's name.

Frank is survived by his loving wife, Joyce, of 65 years, two brothers: Don Wilder (Barbara) and Gerry Wilder (Gerrie). He was especially proud of his two sons, Frank N. Wilder III (Susan) and Doug Wilder (Angel). Grandchildren were his pride and joy: Katie Gaither (Chris), Kellie Anderson (Tim), Mollie Hefner (Tolliver), Clay Wilder (Sarah), Ian Wilder (Lauren), Avery Wilder, Elizabeth Wilder, Seth Wilder (Taylor) and Madelyn Wilder. And then there are 10 great grandchildren and one on the way. Frank will be deeply missed by all who knew him. His smile, his contagious laugh, his incredible storytelling, and his love for his family characterized his life.

In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to Hosparus Health Development Office, 6200 Dutchmans Lane, Louisville, KY 40205 in memory of Frank Nahum Wilder, Jr.