Robert Wilson

The world has lost a great man. Robert Cecil Wilson, patriarch of the Wilson family, passed away Tuesday morning, January 26th, at the age of 86. As his journey on Earth came to an end, Robert was welcomed into heaven by his son, Dr. Ronald Wilson, and wife, Reba Joyce Guy Wilson, who preceded him in death. Though small in stature, Robert will be remembered by all for his larger than life personality and his devotion to his beloved R & R farm.

A native of Sparta, TN, Mr. Wilson was born on May 31st, 1929 to Cecil C. Wilson and Lillie Graham Wilson. As a young man, he learned to farm with his father with dreams of owning his own land. After graduating from White County High School and serving in the United States Army, he married his sweetheart, Reba Joyce Guy, on July 9th, 1953. The pair set out for Detroit, MI with the promise of prosperity in the booming automobile factories of the North. As Robert began work at Chrysler Automobile Plant, the family grew with the birth of a son on June 27th, 1954. Mr. Wilson devoted 30 years to making cars and worked every possible hour of overtime to save enough money to purchase over 400 acres back in Tennessee.

Mr. Wilson returned to White County in 1978 and began his second career as a cattle farmer, his true vocation. He and Reba became faithful members of Hickory Valley Baptist Church and Robert established himself as a cornerstone of the community. He worked at Thurman Funeral Home and was devoted to preserving the dignity and honoring the memory of his fallen peers. He lived by the words that kindness, "don't cost nothin'" and was a stranger to none. He spent his golden years reminiscing with neighbors over coffee, playing with grandchildren by the river and visiting his many friends throughout the community. Robert Wilson's mischievous grin, strong character, and wise words of advice on life will be missed by all who had the privilege of knowing him. He is survived by his daughter in law, Dr. Debra Hargreave Wilson and grandchildren, Erin Wilson Caceres and husband Gerardo, Kevin Wilson, and Jill Wilson Bull and husband Kevin and two great grandchildren, Ronnie and Regan.

Thurman Funeral Home will hold visitation for Mr. Wilson from 4:00pm to 8:00 pm on Thursday, January 28th. Visitation will continue on Friday, January 29th at Hickory Valley Baptist Church at 1:00pm

Funeral services will follow at 2:00pm with burial to take place at Frasier's Chapel Cemetery. Following a graveside service, friends and family of Mr. Wilson will gather at the fellowship hall of Hickory Valley Baptist Church to continue the celebration of life of this special man who touched the lives of so many.

In lieu of flowers, the family requests that donations be made to the Hickory Valley Baptist Church Youth Program.

Please sign the guest book at www.thurmanfuneral.