George F. Wilson, Jr.

George F. Wilson Jr. of Advance, North Carolina died surrounded by family on October 11, 2023 at the Kate B. Reynolds Hospice Home in Winston-Salem, North Carolina. He was born March 26, 1951 to George Wilson and Doris L. Wilson in Valdese, North Carolina. George grew up in Salisbury, North Carolina then practiced a successful life-long career in real estate spanning North Carolina and the Florida Keys.

George lived every day to its fullest and found great pleasure in his hobbies and friendships built along the way. He restored the old Salisbury Fire Station and opened Follett’s Firehouse restaurant when he was just 25. His interests spanned SCCA racing, replicating cars featured in movies and repairing cars of all eras; with a particular interest in all things Jaguar. He enjoyed teaching his sons, Kemp and Geof, how to race and made sure his bonus child Megan had a great first car. George had a passion for aviation and was a certified pilot. One of his favorite yearly trips was to Oshkosh where he’d spend time with friends and family immersed in all things aviation. He spent many days in the last few years working on building an RV12 plane for his grandson.

From his start as a radio DJ at age 14 with WSAT then later WSTP, one constant in George’s life was his interest and passion for music. There was hardly anything better in life than taking a modified school bus to a concert or seeing Billy Strings in Dublin, Ireland. George always loved a good performance. He played the saxophone and clarinet, constantly had music playing at his home and found peace during his final days relaxed to a livestream of his favorites.

George Wilson is predeceased by his parents. Those left to cherish his memory are sons George F. Wilson V and wife Christine Wilson of Cary, North Carolina; J. Kemp R. Wilson and wife Heather Wilson of Richfield, North Carolina, daughter Megan E. Mullen of Dublin, Ireland; his siblings Ellen Watson, Carol Wilson, Alfred Wilson, and Russell Wilson. He leaves behind three grandchildren that he adored Claire, Sadie, and Oliver Wilson and his beloved puppy Maggie. George lived his life surrounded by strong friendships with those he held dear from the entire extended Wilson family to a life-long set of friends. Life with George was always an adventure, loving and unexpected. To all, keep sharing those memories far and wide and living your life to its fullest.

The family recently held a celebration of life for George. Those wishing to honor him are encouraged to direct donations to Salisbury High School Band Department 500 Lincolnton Rd, Salisbury, NC 28144 or any common cause you shared with George.

Lyerly Funeral Home serves the Wilson family. Online condolences may be made at www.lyerlyfuneralhome.com.

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