James Earl Wilson

James Earl "Cheetah" Wilson, 76, of Bells, Tennessee, passed away on June 10, 2025. He was born on December 5, 1948, in Maury City, Tennessee, to the late Milton and Amy Pratt Wilson. James was a devoted and loving husband, father, grandfather, great-grandfather, brother, and friend. As George Bernard Shaw once said, "Life does not cease to be funny when people die any more than it ceases to be serious when people laugh." This quote captures the essence of James' life, who was known for his funny and loving nature.
James, affectionately known as Cheetah, was a member of the Cypress Community Church and held strong faith. He was a skilled meat cutter and butcher at Food Rite. His work was much more than a job; he was a part of a community he loved and served. A man of many passions, James loved playing golf, tending to his well-kept yard, and fishing in his beloved pond. He was a great football player in his youth, earning him the nickname Cheetah for his speed. James knew everyone and was loved by all. He enjoyed getting together with his friends and creating memorable moments. James was proud to have scored two hole-in-ones during his lifetime - one at Highland Greens Golf Course and another on hole 17 at Bent Tree Golf Course in October of 2024.However, what mattered most to James was his family and his loyal dog, Wilson.
James is survived by his loving wife of 45 years, Mellony Wilson; his children, Chris Wilson, Tanya (Steve) Hayward, Sara (P.J.) Maragni, Candy (Ryan) Murphy, and April Fergin; his brothers, Billy (LaShanne) Wilson and Jerry (Shay) Wilson; his brother-in-law, Holly (MaryBeth) Jeter; his grandchildren, Steve Hayward, Mackenzie Hayward, Anna Berry, Kenlen Fergin, Rosie Fergin, Paul Maragni, Seth Wilson, Megan Rinehart, Lydia Murphy; his great-grandchild, Kessler Berry; and his nephews and niece, Bart Wilson, Bret Wilson, Eric Wilson and Teresa Schuerenberg. James was preceded in death by his parents, Milton and Amy Wilson; his brother, Willis Wilson; and his sister, Elizabeth Wilkerson.
Visitation will be held Saturday, June 14, 2025, from 11:00 am until 2:00 pm at Cypress Community Church in Bells, Tennessee. The Funeral Service will follow at 2:00 pm at the same location conducted by Bro. David Brinkley. We invite you to join us in celebrating James' life.
In memory of James, we encourage you to leave your memories, stories, and photos on his memorial page. Let us remember his funny and loving spirit, and keep his memory alive by sharing and cherishing the wonderful moments we spent with him.