Gordon Allen Wilson Jr.
Lifelong member of Church of the Covenant
Gordon Allen Wilson Jr., 89, formerly of Washington, died at 1:21 a.m. Wednesday, August 14, 2013, in his home in Cary, N.C.
He was born February 3, 1924, in Toledo, Ohio, the eldest child of the late Gordon Allen and Maude Bauer Wilson.
A Washington resident from 1926 to 2010, he graduated from Washington High School in 1942, Washington & Jefferson College in 1946 and Carnegie Institute of Technology in 1947.
Mr. Wilson served 44 years as a mechanical engineer, retiring from McGraw Edison/Cooper Power Systems. Among Mr. Wilson’s professional accomplishments are nine U.S. patents in switch gear technology.
A lifelong member of Church of the Covenant, he faithfully served the congregation through active membership and leadership positions as deacon, elder, trustee and leader of the youth confirmation class.
An active life member and leader in Boy Scouts, Mr. Wilson was an Eagle Scout and a Silver Beaver Award recipient. He also was active in United Way and Junior Achievement.
An avid collector in many areas, he also enjoyed golf and woodworking. He was frequently called upon for assistance and freely gave of his time and expertise. A devoted husband and father, he loved spending time with family and friends.
Surviving are his wife of 55 years, Ellen Beam Wilson of Cary; daughters Anne Wilson Hemingway of Gurnee, Ill., Janet Wilson of Holly Springs, N.C., and Joan Wilson Bentley of Raleigh, N.C.; grandchildren Katherine and Karin Hemingway of Gurnee and Alex Bentley of Raleigh; a brother, John Wilson of Fort Lauderdale, Fla.; a sister, Mary Wilson Ferguson of Orlando, Fla.; and several nieces and nephews.
Deceased are three brothers, Alfred Glenn, Robert (Pete) and Charles (Chuck) Wilson.
Family and friends are welcome and will be received from 10 to 11 a.m. Tuesday, August 20, in Church of the Covenant, 267 East Beau Street, Washington, followed by a memorial service at 11 a.m. Private interment will be in Washington Cemetery. Donations to a favorite charity or Church of the Covenant are requested, in lieu of flowers.