EASLEY — MSgt. Jimmy "Bones" Ellis Wilson, Sr. (USAF) Ret., 75, husband of Doris Stephens Wilson, went to be with his Lord and Savior Friday, January 1, 2021.
Born in Pickens County, a son of the late Ellis Mac Wilson and the late Bertha Mae Hudson Wilson, Mr. Wilson was a 1964 graduate of Easley High School where he excelled in basketball and received the Prep All American Award his senior year. He attended North Greenville College where he played basketball for the Mounties until being drafted into the US Army where he served during the Vietnam War. After his US Army discharge he joined the US Air Force Reserve where he served for over twenty-seven years, and also retired from Bell South with thirty-three years of service.
Bones loved his community and serving Veterans. He served as Commander of the American Legion Post 52 where he, along side his Legion brothers, started the Wreaths Across America-Easley. His passion and love for Veterans created a bond between he and many others, he just loved serving people and his community. He was an active member of Brushy Creek Baptist Church where he sang in the church choir.
Surviving, in addition to his loving wife of fifty-four years, are his son, Jimmy Ellis Wilson, Jr. (Sarah) of Easley; his brother, Stanley E. (Beetle) Wilson (Patsy) of Easley; his sister, Donna H. Gray (Jake) of Easley; his three grandchildren, who were the loves of his life, Bridgette Casidy Lowdermilk (Caleb), Jimmy "Trey" Ellis Wilson, III. (Hannah), and David Noel Wilson, all of Easley; four great-grandchildren, Adaira Lowdermilk, Graham Lowdermilk, Kylen Wilson and Noelyn Lowdermilk; and special niece and nephews, Jerry Gray (Barbara), Jeff Gray (Christy), Tracie Gerisch (Eric) and Chaplain (LTC) Timothy Wilson (Becky). In addition to his parents he was predeceased by his loving grandparents, Grady Whitner Hudson and Mae Collins Hudson.
Funeral services will be 2:00 PM Tuesday, January 5, 2021 at Brushy Creek Baptist Church. Burial will follow in Robinson Memorial Gardens with Military Honors. The American Legion Post 52 will serve as Escorts of Honor.
The family will receive friends from 12:30 PM until 1:45 PM Tuesday at the church, prior to the service.
The family would like to express their gratitude to the numerous amount of friends and citizens of Easley who have shown their support and sent prayers during his brief illness.
Visit RobinsonFuneralHomes.com or Robinson Funeral Home & Crematory-Downtown, Easley.
To plant trees in memory, please visit the Sympathy Store.
Jimmie Buchanan Buchanan
February 18, 2021
I have just learned of the passing of Jimmy. He, Beetle and Donna were dear friends growing up in the Glenwood community. My Prayers,Thoughts, and Heart goes out tho his family. Bones will be missed.
Chris Beiler
January 21, 2021
I will miss you my friend. You have been a friend, an inspiration and an example of success as a commander of an American Legion Post.
Commander SC American Legion Post 128
Dan & Diane Ellenburg
January 11, 2021
Beetle and Donna, I am sad to hear about Bones. May God bless his soul.
Jerry Miller
January 9, 2021
So sorry to hear this. I knew 'Bones' and 'Beetle' as children when they would stop by my dad's Esso station with their grandfather. I was a few years older and remember them standing up in front seat of their grandfather's pickup when stopping by for gas. I did not see him very often but I always remembered him growing up. His family was always appeared to be loving and he was a great human being. The last time I saw Bones was several years ago when I had stopped at a cafe on SC Hwy 11, he recognized me and greeted me first. He never forgot who he was or those he knew. He cultivated friendships for a lifetime. Rest in Peace.
Terri "Anthony" Caldwell
January 5, 2021
I am so sorry to hear this. I have known him and Doris since I was a child. I have enjoyed working
and talking to him at the Easley Fire Department. Such a big loving heart. I am praying for the family!!
Rest in peace my friend.
Debra Deck
January 5, 2021
Doris and Jimmy so sorry to hear that Bones passed away will keep you both in my prayers.
Paul Hamilton
January 5, 2021
Bones was a classmate, Great Friend, Militarily Brother, American Legion Post 52 Brother, My condolence to Doris and Family.
Paul Hamilton
January 5, 2021
My thoughts and prayers are with the Wilson Family as they lay Bones to rest today.
Pam Dillard
January 5, 2021
Jimmy, I am so sorry to hear about the passing of your dad, I have alot of fond memories growing up as neighbors, Prayers for you and your family
Cindy Hopkins - Easley Chamber of Commerce
January 5, 2021
Our Easley Chamber of Commerce is so saddened by this news. Please accept our sincere condolences. Bones was the most amazing volunteer for our chamber and our community. He was always willing to help others and support their cause in any way he could. He always had a smile and funny story to share and he never missed an opportunity to talk about his beloved family. Bones will be greatly missed. God's peace.
Darrell Rainwater
January 5, 2021
Sorry to hear of Bones passing worked with him many years at BellSouth.
Chris Whitmire
January 5, 2021
I worked with Bones for years at Bellsouth. A great guy had a lot of great times
. I know Bones loved his family very much he was always talking about you.
Tommy Holcombe
January 5, 2021
What a great man and great family he will be missed by many. I am proud to have called him my friend. To the family please know if you need anything just let me know. Love each and everyone of you
Tammie Huckaby
January 5, 2021
Prayers to Doris and all the family. Bones was a great man and will be missed. I know Bones is surrounded by children in Heaven as his contagious laugh is echoing down the streets of gold. My fondest memories are the weeks of fun we had at BCBC Children's Camp! Love you Bones!!
Ruby Greene
January 4, 2021
I am speechless; so very sorry to learn this sad news. My prayers are with you all. Bones was such a good man. May God comfort you all. Jimmy, I understand your pain.
Randal Dosier
January 4, 2021
Mrs Doris and family ,please except my condolences
Just have some of the greatest times with Bones in the choir,passion play (roman soldiers)retreats.
So thankful GOD had our paths to cross.
In the choir Bones would call Me sarge , he never
Knew I was honored that he would call me that
Even though i knew he was just given me a hard time.
Thinking of my Christian brother this verse
Comes to me
Ronans12:10
Be kindly affectioned one to another with brotherly love in honor preferring one another
Amen
Big shoes to fill
Praying for y'all during this time
Randal Dosier
David Dunlap
January 4, 2021
I always thought the world of Mr Wilson enjoyed work with him he always made my day
Tom preston
January 4, 2021
Doris and family, I'm so very saddened to hear of Jim's passing. Jim was a wonderful guy and a great friend.We sure had some memorable times together and I certainly will miss his phone calls.Doris, know you and your loved one will be in my thoughts and prayers.
Linda (Nix)Petty
January 4, 2021
Grew up in the Glenwood Community also. Knew Jimmy and all his family well as we all went to Glenwood
Wesleyan Church. know he will be missed. Prayers for family.
Charles Burke
January 4, 2021
Doris and family, I was shocked to hear of Bones' passing. He was a good friend and he will be missed. Please know you and your family are in my prayers. Losing you mate is a heavy burden but the lord will help you bear the burden.
Jerry GILSTRAP
January 4, 2021
Doris and family, so sorry to hear of Bones' passing! Not only went to EHS together Class 64' but spent 6 years in the national guard 111th Signal Corp. We road to drill together until he got out and went to AF Reserves.Praying for the family of a good, good friend!
Ann Andrews
January 2, 2021
I loved Bones and Doris from the first time I entered Brushy Creek Baptist. I loved his devotion to veterans how on Poppy Sunday he would always pass out those red poppies to wear. Loved being in the choir with him and hearing him sing the wonderful songs we did. Great man with a great heart filled with God's love.
Martha Seaborn
January 3, 2021
Doris, my sincere sympathy in the loss of your dear husband. May the Lord give you comfort and strength
in the days ahead!
Love,
Martha Masters Seaborn-Bolding
Dean Holder
January 3, 2021
So sorry to hear about Bones.my thoughts and prayers are with the family.
Debbie McNeely
January 3, 2021
Jimmy I am so sorry about your daddy. Praying for you!!
Christian Collins
January 3, 2021
I am so glad and thankful to have known James Ellis ("Bones") Wilson, my cousin, and to have enjoyed the close contact we had in recent years. We shared common interests, including love for, and work for, our country and local communities and family, past and present. He did a superb job as President of our Jacob Watson Collins Family Reunion, as did his Grandfather Grady Wilson before him, and many of us remain grateful for that. I'll continue to really miss our frequent contact through emails and long and enjoyable phone conversations and to keep him in affectionate memory. I like to think that now he is with those we love who have gone to our Heavenly Home before us. My love and prayers to you, Doris, and to each of you. Christian Curtis Collins, Sr.
Elizabeth Gramblin
January 3, 2021
To-Mrs. Doris Wilson-
Though we are sad to hear about Mr. Wilson, we are comforted as we cherish the many fond memories that come to us at this time. We will greatly miss him. We looked forward to his participation with the Memorial Day service for many years.
Our love to you and the family,
Elizabeth Gramblin
Easley Chapel United Methodist Church
Kim Stephens
January 3, 2021
Prayers for you and your family.
Robert Huff
January 3, 2021
Praying for his family. Never meet him but sure liked to have.
Harriett Ellenburg
January 3, 2021
Doris, I am so sorry for your loss. You and your family will continue to be in my thoughts and prayers.
Linda Shockley
January 3, 2021
Bones was a true gentleman , prayers going up for his family , he will be missed .
Sandra & patti Roper
January 3, 2021
Raised two houses up at Glenwood. Three of us, Roper, and three Wilson's! We were best buds and played just about everyday together! Great memories with all of you! Thanks for the memories! Friends always!
Laura Roper Mota
January 3, 2021
So sorry to hear of Bones' passing. Prayers for the family. Enjoyed our friendship in high school. Thank you for your service.
Ann (Spearman) Lyons
January 3, 2021
Have known Bones for a long time and was so sorry to hear of his passing. Great guy. My heart and prayers go out to the family and to his many friends.
Jean Taylor
January 3, 2021
Had the privilege of growing up with Bones in the Glenwood community. Your family will be in my thoughts and prayers'
Kent Dykes
January 3, 2021
Bones was a good new friend of mine. He was one of my favorites. Always spoke to me and made me feel special. He was an excellent leader of our American Legion Post and the membership grew during his tenure as commander.
I will miss my conversations with Bones. My condolences to his wife and kids and many grandkids.
Capt. J. Scott McClain, Retired EFD
January 3, 2021
Thank you "Bones" for always being good to us at the Fire Department!! You will be missed by many...
Sandy Oliver (Medlin)
January 3, 2021
I graduated with Bones in '64. I will always remember him and how nice he always was. He was a wonderful man and will be greatly missed by all who knew him. Deepest sympathy to his family.
palmer Brown
January 3, 2021
I worked with "Bones aka The Commander" for a number of years ,at Southern Bell. We were on the same crew. Bones was one of a kind. He was well liked and respected by all. God Bless. Palmer Brown
Syd McDaniel
January 3, 2021
Sorry to learn of Bones' passing......always a good guy.....RIP
Syd McDaniel
Floree (Flo) Garrett
January 3, 2021
Doris & FAMILY.
Please know I am so sorry to hear of BONES. You all have my LOVE & PRAYERS.
Scott Eron
January 3, 2021
Bones was a great man. I count it a privilege to have known him through Brushy Creek Baptist church and his service for the Lord.
Showing 1 - 42 of 42 results
Funeral services provided by:
Robinson Funeral Home and Crematory - Downtown - Easley305 West Main Street, Easley, SC 29640
The nightly ceremony in Washington, D.C. will be dedicated in honor of your loved one on the day of your choosing.
Read moreWhat kind of arrangement is appropriate, where should you send it, and when should you send an alternative?
Read moreWe'll help you find the right words to comfort your family member or loved one during this difficult time.
Read moreIf you’re in charge of handling the affairs for a recently deceased loved one, this guide offers a helpful checklist.
Read moreLegacy's Linnea Crowther discusses how families talk about causes of death in the obituaries they write.
Read moreThey're not a map to follow, but simply a description of what people commonly feel.
Read moreYou may find these well-written obituary examples helpful as you write about your own family.
Read moreThese free blank templates make writing an obituary faster and easier.
Read moreSome basic help and starters when you have to write a tribute to someone you love.
Read more