Billy Wilson

There’s a rare phenomenon called a moonbow that occurs when moonlight reflects through water to create a rainbow. The life of Billy Wilson was similar to one of these rare events.

Billy passed away on June 10th surrounded by his family. He was born on June 1, 1939 in Cedar Grove, Tennessee and spent his early years in Bargerton. Although Billy was born and raised in northern Henderson County, he spent most of his life in Jack’s Creek
where he raised his children. He later moved to Jackson where he remained until recently.

Right up to his hospitalization, Billy was living life to its fullest: attending social gatherings at the Senior Citizen Center in Lexington, creating trouble with his brother Bobby, visiting his girlfriend Becky, or helping his daughter out at her groom shop.

Billy was preceded in death by his parents Cleo and Dorothy, his late wife Joan, Regina and by his daughter Kim.

Billy loved God and studied the scriptures diligently. There were few things he enjoyed more than a lively conversation about the scriptures, our purpose on this earth, or our relationship with the Lord. In recent years, Billy seems to have had an epiphany. After years of study, he finally stood up and said, to all who would listen, “it all boils down to love. Jesus’s message was simple: Have empathy for all people, love them, and leave the judgement to God.” Romans 14:10.

Or he would adamantly point toward Romans 13:10 where we are told, Love does no wrong to a neighbor; therefore love is the fulfilling of the law. It wasn’t Billy’s goal to preach a sermon in his eulogy, rather it was his most sincere desire that we begin to see each other through God’s eyes. That we follow the
commandment to love one another.

Coming back to the extraordinary phenomenon of night rainbows, Billy’s life was a hard one. He spent most of it doing manual labor. Starting in the cotton fields, and later in Bemis’ Cotton Mill. Even after the mill closed, he ended up working at Johnson Controls, where he eventually retired.

For most of us, when life comes at us hard, we begin to become rigid. What made Billy unique, however, was that when the storm blew, he became more flexible. Bending toward what he so strongly believed was God’s primary message: Empathetic love instead of judgement.

Billy is survived by his brothers Bobby and Kenny Wilson, daughter Jan Reece, sons David and Matthew Wilson and daughters Jenna, Morgan, and Chloe Brasfield.

As Billy’s family grapple with his sudden loss, it’s his message of loving support that keeps them afloat.

May his passing give you a moment of peace as well, for nothing would make him happier.

Billy’s graveside memorial service will be held at 11:30 am on Saturday June 21st, at Bailey Cemetery in Jacks Creek, next to the Jack’s Creek Community of Christ church.

As per Billy’s request a potluck will immediately follow the service. All who knew him are invited to join us as we celebrate his life.