Jimi Wilson

Jimi Wilson – Rocking On Eternally

Jimi Wade Wilson, 58, passed away July 15 at his residence in Dyersburg. Born in San Pedro, California, he was the son of the late Jimmy Earl Wilson and Peggy Luana Smith.

A Celebration of Life will be held Sunday, July 27 at 3388 S. Bluff Rd., Obion. Those planning to attend, please confirm with the family by texting 901-654-5854 (text only, please).

Jimi spent most of his life in Tennessee, where he built a community of family, friends, and fans who will forever cherish his memory. A graduate of Obion County High School, he was a creative, self-made man who ran his own advertising business for decades.

And above all, Jimi was a lifelong musician whose passion for rock and roll was clear to everyone who heard him sing or watched him perform. Many would say he was a born rock star-and in the 1980s, he made it official when he became the lead singer for his first rock band.

Over the years, Jimi's powerful voice and electric stage presence lit up venues from Memphis to the shores of St. Pete Beach, Florida, and of course, right at home in Dyersburg. No matter where he was, Jimi poured his heart and soul into every note, every lyric, and every show. His musical journey was filled with unforgettable collaborations, having fronted or performed with bands such as Rockin' Horse, Lawless, Monarch, Mr. Hyde, Three-Legged Dog, The Us Band, and Two Can Jam. Through it all, Jimi touched lives not just with his music, but also with his generous spirit, infectious energy, and deep love for his family, friends, and fans.

He leaves to cherish his memory his beloved son, Joshua Wilson of Arlington, Tennessee; his mother, Peggy Smith of Dyersburg; step-mother, Dinna Wilson of Obion; his sister, Heather Wilson of Memphis; brother, Johnny Wilson of Dyersburg; niece, Phoebe Morgan Wilson; grandniece, Blakely Joann Payne ("Jojo"); and cousins, Shelley Hicks, John Hicks, Kelly Kolwyck, Lisa Wilson, Eddie Robbins, and Nancy Robbins. He was preceded in death by his father, Jimmy Earl Wilson and cousins, Scott Wilson and Brian Wilson.

Honorary Pallbearers include Luke Dunaway, Jason Enochs, Mick Pettie, Anthony Patterson, Eddie Robbins, Danny Walker, Jonathan Stegall, Tim Stegall, and Mike Rigsby -friends, fellow musicians, and chosen brothers who shared the stage, the road, and the journey of life with Jimi.

In honor of Jimi's legacy, his family encourages friends to share memories and music in his name. Though the stage is silent, his song plays on in all of us.

Online condolences may be made to the family at johnsonwilliamsfuneralhome.com.