Harley "Gene" Eugene Wilson

Harley Eugene Wilson

Harley Eugene "Willie" Wilson, 86, entered the presence of the Lord at the family home in Dawsonville on Tuesday, June 13, 2017. Willie was born on March 20, 1931, the son of Clifton T. and Roma E. Wilson, who preceded him in death, as did his siblings Jimmy and Margaret. Willie is survived by his loving wife of fifty-nine years, Nancy Pearl Wilson. Also surviving are his children David (Tammy) Wilson of Tampa, Gary (Karen) Wilson of Dawsonville, Wade (Laura) Wilson of Aiken, and Scott (Whitney) Wilson of Dawsonville; fourteen grandchildren; and eight great-grandchildren.

Born in rural Walton County, Georgia, Willie grew up in Chamblee and was a star athlete at Chamblee High School. He served with distinction and bravery in the United States Marine Corps in the Korean Conflict, attaining the rank of Sergeant.

Willie's early career included managing an American Legion Club, driving a truck, and painting for DeKalb County. He and Nancy also operated several country stores—the Rock Inn Bait Shop in Roswell, Wilson's Corner in Dunwoody, and Wilson's Corner in Cumming. Willie finally found his vocational calling in the 1970s when he began building houses in Forsyth County. It would be difficult to drive down any road in Forsyth County and not pass a home he built, framed, or remodeled. Willie was widely known for superior craftsmanship at a fair price. Construction was what God created Willie to do and he truly loved every measurement he made, every board he cut, and every nail he drove.

Willie also loved sports. He was a record-setting football and baseball player in high school. On the Marine Corps baseball team in Japan, Willie played second base and led the league in steals. He was also a Marine boxing champion. He was part of the early Atlanta Crackers Baseball team and was a player/manager of several semi-pro teams in Atlanta that captured titles. Fittingly, he homered in his last game as an active player. In 1985 he was cast in the movie "The Sluggers Wife" as an assistant coach for the Atlanta Braves. He also coached many football and baseball players in the Forsyth County Youth Leagues.

Though Willie loved working with his hands and sports, nothing surpassed his love for his Lord and Savior Jesus Christ and love for his family. A quiet man of few words, Willie was not shy in leading his family in prayer. He served his church with passion and subtle leadership as a deacon. He loved his church family at Cornerstone Christian Church in Dawsonville. Willie was always available to serve others in the community and around the world, participating in mission trips to Ethiopia and to New Orleans after Hurricane Katrina.

While his family will miss Willie with heartache that will not be fully eased until the reunion in Heaven, they are comforted knowing he is with his Lord and fully healed from the ailments that finally slowed down "Workin' Willie".

The legacy of Willie Wilson is not found in the homes he constructed, but in the family he built. Willie imparted his faith, character, work-ethic, and love to his children, grandchildren, and great-grandchildren, each of whom are now living it out for the glory of God.

In lieu of flowers, the family requests donations be directed to the Cornerstone Benevolence Fund at Cornerstone Christian Church, 706-265-4933.

Visitation will be on Friday, June 16 from 3:00 PM to 9:00 PM at Byars Funeral Home, 155 Professional Park Drive, Cumming, GA 30040.

A Memorial Service will be held Saturday, June 17 at 3:00 PM with visitation at 2:00 PM at Cornerstone Christian Church, 236 Etowah River Road, Dawsonville, GA 30534.