Hugh O. Wilson 84, of Athens, died Tuesday night, October 3, 2017 at his residence.
Hugh was a lifelong resident of McMinn County was the son of the late David R. and Ora Thompson Wilson. He was also preceded in death by a son Tony Wayne Martin and a grandson Ashley Martin.
He attended Cedar Springs United Methodist Church. He was a 50 year member of Meridian Sun Lodge #50 F&AM where he had served as a former worshipful Master, a member of York Rite Bodies, a member of Alhambra Shrine Temple in Chattanooga, and a member of Order of Eastern Star#219.
He was a graduate of Tennessee Wesleyan College (University). He had formerly worked for Farmers Bank, Mayfield Dairy, and Beaunit Fibers. He was associated with the State of Tennessee Dept. of Agriculture as Milk Sanitation Consultant and Milk Rating Officer for 43 years until his retirement. He served in the Tennessee National Guard for three years.
He is survived by his wife of 45 years, Laverne Hanks Wilson of Athens; a daughter and son-in-law, Georgia and Charles ( Sonny) Pierce of Riceville; two granddaughters and their spouses, Shari and Martin High and Kristin and Mike Gunsallus; two grandsons and their spouses, Tony and Christy Martin, and Matthew and Britton Pierce; one great-grandson; four great granddaughters; and one sister, Ida Griggs of Johnson City, TN.
The family will receive friends from 4:00-6:00 pm, Thursday October 5th at Smith Funeral Home . A Masonic service will follow at 6:15 pm at the funeral home prior to the service.
The funeral service will follow at 6:30 pm, Thursday, in the chapel of Smith Funeral Home with Rev. David Neel officiating. The committal service will be 11:00 am, Friday, October 6th in Cedar Grove Cemetery.
Pallbearers will be Matthew Pierce,Tony Martin, Martin High, Brooke High, Mike Gunsallus, and Tony Baker. Honorary pallbearers will be Larry Gibby, Charles (Sonny) Pierce, Sam Kelsey, Bobby Byrum, and Tommy Leach.
The family suggests in lieu of flowers memorials be made in Hugh's name to Cedar Springs United Methodist Church c/o Karen Fleury,1434 Co. Rd. 100, Riceville, TN 37370.