Wilson, John Franklin

John Franklin Wilson, 88, was born in Pulaski on November 24, 1924, and passed peacefully into glory on May 4, 2013. He was preceded in death by his first wife, Susan, of 48 years, and his second wife, Dorothy, of 9 years. He is survived by his three daughters, Paula Holmes (Jerry) of Matthews, N.C.; Deborah Nordyke (Chris) of Tacoma, Wash.; and Roxanne Pierson (Phil), of Woodinville, Wash. He also leaves behind his beloved five grandchildren, Jennifer, Matthew, Emily, Kinsey, Madison; and three great-grandchildren, Wilson, Sadie and Elliott. Command Sergeant Major Wilson loved and served his country with pride and dedication for over 30 years, and retired in Anchorage, Alaska as a highly decorated war veteran. He bravely fought for our freedom in World War II, Korea, and twice in Viet Nam. He received two purple hearts with oak leaf clusters as well as other commendations for his extraordinary heroism during the D-Day invasion of Normandy, France; the Battle of the Bulge, and other American and European theater campaigns. After he left the Army, he served another seven years as a security supervisor with the Alaska pipeline before finally retiring to Brevard County, Florida. We are thankful for his courage, bravery, and generosity throughout his life. More importantly, we are happy for his profession of faith in our Lord Jesus Christ late last year. It comforts us to know we will reunite again and that he will never again suffer any sorrow or pain. “The Lord giveth and the Lord taketh away; blessed be the name of the Lord.” ~ Job 1:21 A graveside service will be held 2 p.m. Sunday, May 12, 2013, from the Highland Memory Gardens Mausoleum, Dublin, with the Pulaski VFW Post 1184 conducting the military graveside rites. Contributions may be made to the William Childs Hospice House, 381 Medplex Pkwy, Palm Bay, FL 32907. Arrangements by Stevens Funeral Home, Pulaski.