James L. "Jimmy" Wilson, Sr.

Thomson - Mr. James. Lee “Jimmy” Wilson, Sr., 88, beloved husband of Mrs. Joyce Hartley Wilson, died Thursday, May 12, 2022, in the University Hospital in Augusta.

A Celebration of Life will be held at 11:00 AM on Tuesday, November 22, 2022 in Westview Cemetery in Thomson, with Reverend Larry Glover officiating, with music provided by Mr. Mark Cheeks.

Jimmy, born in Camilla, Mitchell County, GA.  He was the only child of the late Mr. and Mrs. Dewey Lee and Tency Pitts Wilson.  He and his parents relocated to McDuffie County, his father’s home, in September of 1951, after Jimmy graduated from Mitchell County High School.  He started his work career in 1952, in the shipping and receiving department at Knox Homes.  Upon the plant’s closing in 1953, Jimmy was hired as a salesman at the Western Auto Associate Store, where in 1958, he was promoted to Store Manager.  In January 1980, Jimmy became the store owner, continuing to work until it’s closing in June 1993.

Jimmy was active in the Jaycees from 1957-1972.  He served on the Board of Directors; was Secretary-Treasurer, Vice-President and President; was District Project Chairman; was Vice-President State Project Chairman; was selected 10th District Jaycee of the Year in 1962; and was Chairman of the Year. He was selected to JCI Senate in 1976. He was appointed to Thomson-McDuffie County Recreation Commission in 1971 and served as Secretary-Treasurer from 1972-1976.  He was a member of the Thomson Country Club from 1968-1975 and then Belle Meade Country Club from 1975-1992. 

Jimmy enjoyed time spent with his family, as well as, golf, genealogy, and following UGA football, Atlanta Braves baseball and the Masters Golf Tournament.

He is preceded in death by his first wife, Rosa Smith Wilson.  Survivors include his loving and devoted wife of 36 years, Joyce Hartley Wilson; his son and daughter-in-law, James L. Wilson, Jr. and Kathy, Greenville, SC; his daughter and son-in-law, Sarah Wilson Green and Anthony, Clearwater, FL; grandchildren, Luke Wilson (Rebecca), Rae Wilson Howell (Jack), all of Greenville, SC and Sarah Kadence Guilin, Clearwater, FL; his great-granddaughter, Tobin Rose Wilson, Greenville, SC; and his Wilson cousins, Barbara, Judy, Linda and Debbie.

In lieu of flowers, please make any memorials to a charity or cause of your choosing.

The family will receive friends following the service at the graveside.

You may sign a guest book online at www.curtisfuneralhome.com

Curtis Funeral Home is in charge of local arrangements.

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