In Memory

Donald Wayne Wilson

Donald Wayne Wilson

Classmate Donald "Toofy" Wilson took his final struggled breath on February 27, 2021.  He died at home Saturday evening after a 5 year courageous battle with ALS.  Toofy was quite the example for us all, made a difference in our class and many lives throughout Roxboro and Person County.  He will be missed by so many.  Our heartfelt sympathy Becky and family.  Condolences may be sent via Brooks & White at https://www.brooksandwhite.com/obituaries/Donald-Wayne-Toofy-Wilson?obId=20110980#/obituaryInfo  or to Becky Wilson, 78 Piney Lane, Leasburg NC  27291. 

Shortly after his passing, WRALre-ran the Tar Heel Traveler 2018 episode on our classmate Donald Wilson.  https://www.wral.com/inspiration-roxboro-man-battling-als-leaves-behind-memorable-legacy/19577447/

Donald Wayne "Toofy" Wilson, age 69, of 78 Piney Lane, Leasburg, died peacefully at his home on Saturday, February 27, 2021 after bravely fighting a five year battle with Amyotrophic Lateral Sclerosis (ALS), also know as Lou Gehrig's disease.

Donald is preceded in death by his parents Lewis Hebrew and Marie Wray Wilson and his sister, Joyce Wilson Dickey.

Donald is survived by his wife of 47 years, Rebecca "Becky" Gentry Wilson; sons: Dr. Corey Wilson and wife, Kelly; Stephen Wilson and wife, Sherry; daughter: Jenny Whitt and husband, Luke; niece: Michelle Davis and husband, Jeremy; brother: Ronald Wilson and wife, Rose; seven grandchildren: Hayley Brynn Wilson, Tristan Chase Wilson, Brennen Lane Wilson, Brayden McCoy Wilson, Keegan Heath Wilson, Pierce Fleming Whitt, Barrett Gentry Whitt and great-nephew, Cooper James Davis; sister-in-law, Cathy Gentry.

A native of Person County, Donald attended Bethel Hill Elementary School and was a graduate of the Roxboro High School Class of 1969, after which he attended East Carolina University and earned his bachelor's degree in accounting. He was a sergeant in the North Carolina National Guard from 1971-1978. In 1973 he married his high school sweetheart, Becky Gentry. In 1984 he opened his own accounting firm in Roxboro, Donald W. Wilson, CPA, PA, which is now being operated by his son, Stephen. Donald was also co-owner of several other corporations for real estate development in Person County.

He was an officer of the Roxboro Jaycees before transitioning to the Kiwanis Club of Roxboro for 44 years. He was an active member of the Roxboro Area Chamber of Commerce for 34 years, acting as president in 1988; a working member of the Roxboro/Person County Home Builders Association for 25 years, holding the role of treasurer for much of that time; a board member of the Person Memorial Hospital; and co-founder of Bethel Hill Charter School, serving as board member for 20 years. Donald was appointed to the Piedmont Community College's Board of Trustees in 1990 and served as Chairman of the Board of Trustees in 2015-2016.

In 2016, State Representative Larry Yarborough presented Donald with the "Order of the Long Leaf Pine" award which is given to those with exemplary service to the state and their communties that is above and beyond the call of duty, and who have made a significant impact and strengthened the state. Also that year, the "Donald and Rebecca Wilson Scholarship" was established by the PCC Foundation to award financial assistance to high school graduates seeking higher education at Piedmont Community College. In 2019, Donald was recognized as the first ever "PCC Board Member Emeritus" and also received the ACCT Southern Region Trustee Leadership Award. He was one of the first to receive a plaque from Bethel Hill Charter School to be placed on their "Honor Wall" as a permanent tribute for being a critical leader in continuing education for the Bethel Hill Community.

Donald has been an active member of Concord United Methodist Church for over 30 years where he sang in the choir and served on the finance committee. His solo rendition of "O Holy Night" was enjoyed by many each year and was known as his signature song during his many years in the choir.

Donald loved antique cars, playing golf, wood-working, beach music, singing, going to Myrtle Beach, and spending time with his granchildren at his home on Hyco Lake where he and Becky have lived since 1975.

The Wilson Family would like to thank all of the family and friends who have been there to support them through this difficult time, most especially their Concord Church Family, Duke Hospice Nurses, Duke Hospice Aide Felita Harris, physical therapists Kim Morris and Donna Pleasants, the team at Piedmont Integrative Medicine, Duke ALS clinic, and countless others who have come to visit, brought food, sent cards, and lifted the family up in prayer.

Pallbearers will be Gordon Carver, Bayard Crumpton, Marvin Morris, Zeke Smith, Cleve Wagstaff, Jimmy Weaver, David Whitt, and Ronald Whitt.

Funeral service will be held 2PM Wednesday, March 3, 2021, at Theresa Baptist Church by the Rev. Karl Neuschaefer, the Rev. Tom Newman, and the Rev. Herbert Brown. Burial will follow in Concord United Methodist Church Cemetery. Visitation will be held 6-7:30PM Tuesday at Brooks & White Funeral Home and at other times at the home.

In lieu of flowers, memorials may be made to "Donald & Becky Wilson Scholarship Fund" at Piedmont Community College, P.O. Box 1197, Roxboro, NC, 27573 or Concord United Methodist Church Building Fund, 70 Concord Church Rd., Roxboro, NC, 27574.

https://www.brooksandwhite.com/obituaries/Donald-Wayne-Toofy-Wilson?obId=20110980#/obituaryInfo



 
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03/01/21 11:55 AM #1    

William Sterling Yoder

With Toofy's last name of Wilson and my last name of Yoder, we were thrown together in school  quite a lot over the years. And thus began a friendship that, regrettably, pretty much ended  in 1969 as we drifted apart on life's journey. Somehow, though, friendships that develop during our formative years seem to form a more  lasting bond  than friendships that develop in later years. And thus I feel that I have lost a very good friend, indeed. The only good thing I can say about his passing is that he no longer lives in the hellish grip of ALS. RIP, friend.


03/02/21 12:35 PM #2    

Ann Elizabeth Lester (Mayhew)

I have known Donald since the days of elementary school. He loved mischief, music, life, and Becky. Even though ALS took so much away from him, the Toofy we all loved was still in there. At our 50th reunion the first thing he typed on his computer screen was to ask about my mom. He served as her tax accountant for years. We shed tears of sadness but also smiles of joy knowing Toofy is at last free to be a better self. God will continue to bless Donald's famiy and the legacy he passed on to them. We will miss you forever, dear friend.

03/03/21 12:47 PM #3    

Margie Diane Dickerson (Gentry)

Always a positive person who loved his Church, Family, Friends and our Community here in Person County. He could not have given more. I was angered when first I learned that Toofy had been diagnosed with ALS. Though many efforts to attempt a lesser diagnosis were just not to be, he and Becky handled what was to be with courage and grace. I was always amazed to attend an event and see that Becky had gotten Toofy out as well. What an inspiration they both were and impacted people they will probably never know. I say now, Rest In Peace till we see you in Heaven. Love to Becky and all the family. 


03/04/21 08:16 AM #4    

Sheila Clayton (Clayton)

Donald's kind and cheerful heart and loving spirit will be greatly missed.  It was an honor to have him in the RHS Class of  69.  Donald was a special friend, someone that I could call on any time whether it was personal or financial.  I could honestly say he played a big part in my career and where I am today.  It leaves an emptiness in my heart but I know someday I will see that faithful man again.  God Blessings & peace to his sweet and loving family.  heart

 

 


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