Ray Eugene Wilson Jr.

WILSON, Ray Eugene Jr., age 74, of Wilmington and formerly of Xenia, passed away Friday, May 2, 2025, at the Dayton VA Hospital. A proud veteran of the United States Army, Ray honorably served in Vietnam. He retired in 2009 after working 37 years as a dedicated and loyal truck driver for SuperValu. Hardworking, devoted, outgoing, and giving, Ray was family-oriented and a loyal friend to many. Naturally gifted with an ear for music, Ray could play any instrument with a string. He was especially fond of playing the guitar and bass. He was also an avid fisherman who started fishing from the bank but eventually purchased a fishing boat, which became his place of solitude and relaxation. While he loved fishing at Cowan Lake, he also had a tradition with work friends each fall of traveling to Michigan for a fishing trip, which he always enjoyed. Several times each year, he and his wife, and often with a grandchild along, traveled to Gatlinburg to play games in the arcades, eat in the theme restaurants, shop the many stores along the strip, and enjoy the shows. Ray always preferred American food and, for many years, visited Frisch’s for lunch every day. His children will also remember the tradition of eating dinner at Pizza Hut every few months while they were young, which became a fond tradition. He was not much for material things, whereby he drove the same old truck way past its usual lifespan. However, he collected more than his share of guitar strings and picks, the former of which he always seemed to be breaking. His choice of picks was always the triangle Fender brand, which will always be associated with Ray by his friends and family. While his dedication and loyalty to his work were evident throughout his career, how much he cared for his family defined his life. He was preceded in death by his wife, Kathy Sue, in 2020; his parents, Ray Eugene Sr. and Mary Louise Wilson; and his sister, Pamela Jane Wilson. He is survived by his son, Brian (Amanda) Wilson; daughter, Monica Wilson; six grandchildren, Colton and Emily Wilson, Alan Bradley, and Austin, Adison, and Ashlyn Allen; four great-grandchildren, Lennox, Augustin, Chance, and Jamison; one brother, Steve (Tina) Wilson; niece, Kaitlin Wilson (Jordan) and her son, Landen; nephew, Brandon Wilson (Doris) and his sons, Braxton and Kylan; and several nieces, nephews, cousins, extended family members, and friends. The family will receive friends from 12 PM - 2 PM Friday, May 9, at Stubbs-Conner Funeral Home in Waynesville. A life celebration service will immediately follow the visitation at 2 PM on Friday at the funeral home, with Shane Lindon officiating. Burial will be in Miami Cemetery, Corwin. If desired, contributions may be made to Victory Ridge VA Hospice Center at the Dayton VA Hospital. Condolences at www.stubbsconner.com.

Ray Eugene Wilson Jr.

October 29, 1950 - May 2, 2025