Elwood Duke Wilson, born March 8, 1928 in Chilton County, died Tuesday, June 14, 2011 surrounded by family at his home in Fairhope.
Affectionately called “Big Ed,” he was bigger than life in more ways than size (a hefty 6-foot-3). A distinguished career in the U.S. Marine Corps (1946-1966) included serving in Occupied Japan and in Korea, where he was awarded two purple hearts.
After retiring as a master sergeant, he began a successful career as an entrepreneur and activist by owning and operating an Esso gas station in Bayside, N.Y.
Having spent most of his adult life far from Alabama, he finally made it “back home” when he became the proud owner/operator of Melton’s Garage in Fairhope. Master cabinet-maker, photographer, paralegal (especially on domestic issues, for attorney Tom Norton) were among his other pursuits.
Strongly civic-minded, he was captain for the Baldwin County Sheriff’s Flotilla during Hurricane Frederick, served as a representative for the Alabama Silver-Haired Legislature, volunteered for the Employer Support of the Guard and Reserve and headed the Children’s Rights Council of Alabama. He was most proud of his Marine Corps service and had a passion for country music (even to the point of being a Reba McIntyre “groupie”), football (local school games were as exciting for him as big professional matches), and bassett hounds. He was admired by all who knew him and will be greatly missed as a durable rock with a unique perspective and keen sense of humor.
He was preceded in death by his father, Roy Elwood Wilson; mother, Bertha Jean Blank; and daughter, Terry Ann Wilson.
Survivors include his devoted companion of many years, Mary Hadley of Silverhill; two sons, Eddie Joe (Lori) Wilson of Arab and Paul M. Wilson of Silverhill; two daughters, Ann Wilson of Marietta, Ga., and Barbara Wilson of Asheville, N.C.; grandchildren, Joseph Wilson of Cordova, Tenn., Kathleen Wilson of Asheville, N.C., Katelin Gardner and Hannah Hadley of Silverhill, and Tori Garrett of Arab; two great-grandchildren, Ayla Rose and Nicholas Warren Garrett of Arab; sisters, Jacqueline (Mike) Martinez of Dallas and Margaret Joyce (Jim) Brown of Loxley; many nieces, nephews and cousins.
Graveside services were held Monday, June 20 at Barrancas National Cemetery, NAS, Pensacola, Fla.
Arrangements are by Cason Funeral Service, Foley.
