James Rollin Wilson

James Rollin Wilson, native to the Salem community of Russell County, passed away Sunday, May 14, 2023, at Ivy Knoll Senior Living, in Covington.  He was 89 years of age.

Mr. Wilson was born September 26, 1933, at home in Salem, son of the late Herbert and Elva Meece Wilson.  He was the last surviving of the Wilson children.  A Korean War veteran, Mr. Wilson served honorably in the United States Army.  He proudly wore his Korean Veteran hat, putting all his other hats aside. 

Mr. Wilson, “Pop” to everyone but his wife, Marilyn, was loved by all who met him.  His smiling blue eyes revealed his inner happiness.  Mr. Wilson was a humorous man who loved to tell stories.  When speaking of him, people would say “What a guy!”.  He was so personable, Mr. Wilson never forgot a name, recalling both first and last names of people he encountered over the years.

He was a Christian man of Baptist faith who would so diligently study his Bible, he would have to replace a worn-out copy with a new.  Mr. Wilson enjoyed watching Shepherd’s Chapel on television for many years.

He was a hard-working, humble man.  Mr. Wilson enjoyed gardening and canning the rewards; he liked working on his tractors and going fishing.  He loved to travel; especially to many of the National Parks.

“Pop” sure loved his grandchildren and was so proud of them.

He is survived by his wife, Marilyn Rider Wilson; his son, James Clinton Wilson, of Walton; his daughter, Cheryl (and Tim) Brookbank, of Erlanger; his grandchildren, Anthony Brandon Wilson, Robert Nicholas (and Martha) Wilson, and Ryan Matthew (and Jennifer) Wilson; five great-grandchildren; two great-great-grandchildren; and several nieces and nephews.

Along with his parents, Mr. Wilson is preceded in death by his daughter, Renita Gail Wilson; his brothers, Lewis Wilson, Phillip Wilson, Harold Wilson, Wilkie Wilson and one brother who died in infancy; and his sisters, Viola Weddle, Gladys Martin, Lynnr Smiley, Maretha Clayton and Edna Weddle.

Funeral services are 1:00 p.m., CST, Sunday, May 21, 2023, at Bernard Funeral Home, with Bro. Larold Gosser officiating.  Interment will follow in Salem Cemetery.  Pallbearers will be Jerry Roaden, Leonard Wilson, Nick Wilson, Ryan Wilson, Tony Wilson, Clint Wilson and Tim Brookbank.  Military Honors will be conducted by the Russell County Honor Guard.

Visitation will be held after 11:00 a.m., CST, Sunday, until time for funeral services.

Arrangements for Mr. James Rollin Wilson have been entrusted to Bernard Funeral Home.  An online guestbook is available at www.bernardfuneralhome.com

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