Joseph "Joe" Raymond Wilson Jr.

Joseph "Joe" Raymond Wilson, Jr., aged 92, passed away peacefully at his home, Eastover, where he had lived for 46 years. Born on March 2, 1933, in Salisbury, NC, to Joseph Raymond Wilson, Sr. and Ellen Ramsay Wilson, Joe attended Boyden High School and due to his mischievous nature, he was sent to Fishburne Military School, from which he graduated. He later earned a BS in Civil Engineering with a Construction option from NC State College. After college, Joe entered the Army and became a First Lieutenant. At just 22 years old, he became Superintendent of a large firm. He later served as President of Wilson Construction Company, building highways and bridges in four states, and founded Wilson Equipment Leasing Co. Joe was also an accomplished pilot, enjoying flying his plane “76 Whiskey Charlie”, and owned a horse named Whiskey Charlie. A philanthropist at heart, Joe loved seeing people succeed. He funded scholarships for many students to attend NC State and Fishburne Military School and served on the Board of Directors at Fishburne Military School and the United Way in 1982. In 1983, he was elected to the Board of Directors of First Union Bank in Salisbury. Joe enjoyed playing golf and tennis, spending time in Naples, FL, where he had a second home, and traveling in general. A history enthusiast and preservationist, he supported the Historic Salisbury Foundation and opened his home for the October Tour and The Andrew Jackson Society. For his 90th birthday, He was presented with a US Flag and certification that the flag was flown over the US Capital in honor of his birthday. The Mayor of Salisbury presented Joe with a Proclamation making April 15, 2023, Joseph R. Wilson, Jr. Day. In 1955, Joe married Patricia Ann Malone, and they had four children: Patricia (Patsy) Harris Wilson, Joseph Raymond Wilson III, Ellen Virginia Wilson (Gray) and John F. Gray of Naples, FL, and Charles Edward Wilson. He is survived by all his children. The family extends their gratitude to the Caring Hands of Salisbury, Novant Health Hospice as well as Janette Yost & Susan Russell for their compassionate care during Joe's final journey. A burial service will take place at City Memorial Park on Tuesday, March 18, 2025 at 1 p.m. followed by a celebration of Joe’s life at First Presbyterian Church at 2 p.m. officiated by Dr. Randy Kirby. A reception will be held at Lewis Hall after the service. In lieu of flowers, please make donations to the Historic Salisbury Foundation, https://historicsalisbury.org/support ; and Waterworks Visual Art Gallery, General 2 SEE | Waterworks Visual Arts Center | Salisbury, North Carolina, Summersett Funeral Home is serving the Wilson family. Online condolences may be made at www.summersettfuneralhome.com.

Joseph "Joe" Raymond Wilson Jr.

March 2, 1933 - March 13, 2025