Joel W. Wilson

Joel W. Wilson, 70, of Millville died Saturday, Sept. 29, 2012, at Methodist Hospital in Philadelphia.

Joel was born Aug. 1, 1942, in Bridgeport, Conn., to the late James and Vela Allen Wilson. At the age of 3, his family moved to Milmay. He attended the local schools in Milmay. In 1962, Joel joined the U.S. Navy. Through servicing our country for nearly 10 years, Joel lived in many different places. He served three tours of duty in the Vietnam War. In the early 1970s, Joel returned to his home state of New Jersey, where he remained the rest of his life. He retired from driving tractor-trailers in 2005 from National Freight. Joel was an avid reader and loved to play games online. He was commonly known as "Brother" to many friends and family members.

Joel is survived by his wife, Barbara J.; nine children, Jacqueline C. Wilson of Millville, Regina M. Wilson of Albany, Calif., Joel W. Wilson Jr. of Atlanta, Ga., Gerri M. Wilson of Orlando, Fla., Angela Y. Wilson of Millville, Michael J Chisholm stationed in Norfolk, Va., James C Wilson of Land O' Lakes, Fla., Brittany J. at home and Kenneth E. still at home; 15 grandchildren; and five great-grandchildren. He was preceded in death by his sister, Joanne Wilson-Cowens.

Services will be held Saturday at 10 a.m. at Bethel AME Church, 5th and Smith streets, Millville, with Pastor Wilkins officiating. Family and friends may attend a viewing at Edwards and Son Funeral Home, Inc., 208 E. Commerce St., Bridgeton on Friday from 6 to 8 p.m. Interment will be in the Cumberland County Veterans Cemetery, Hopewell Township.