William Fredrick Wilson

William Frederick "Fred" Wilson, age 90, of Watkinsville, died December 8, 2014. He was born in Banks County on February 28, 1924. Fred joined the Army Air Corps in 1943. He was a Waist Gunner on the B-17. His aircraft was shot down during World War II over Hungary and he was a Prisoner of War from January to April 1945 at Stalag VII-A. Fred was awarded the Air Medal and Purple Heart.
He is survived by his loving wife of 66 years, Ethel Wilkes Wilson, who was better known as his "Tillie Mae." During their marriage, they raised four children while the Air Force moved them from Ohio to California, then Missouri and finally back to Georgia, where Fred served as a recruiter for the United States Air Force until his retirement in July 1968.
In addition to his wife, Fred is survived by his four children, Donald Wilson (Debbie), of Watkinsville, Jennie Elaine Wilson Hayes (David), of Watkinsville, Mary Wilson Di Letto (Joe), of Madison, and Joe Wilson (Valerie), of Watkinsville. He is also survived by 9 grandchildren and 19 great-grandchildren, one brother, Robert Wilson, and three sisters, Sarah Johnson, Betty Wilkes and Lucy Fambrough, and many nieces and nephews. He was preceded in death by his parents, Ezra and Mary Margaret Mize Wilson, two sisters and four brothers.
Fred attended Antioch Christian Church for over 40 years. He was a Boy Scout leader and a 32nd Degree Mason. Fred was known for his love of flowers and the goats and peacocks he raised. He was a talented artist who enjoyed painting during his retirement years. He loved the Georgia mountains and camping at Moccasin Creek State Park. He was proud to be left handed, enjoyed all things Mickey Mouse, and was known for his red socks with any outfit at any time. He was known as "Pop" to his grandkids and many who loved him. The great love of his life was his Tillie Mae and the family they made. He took a piece of his family's heart to heaven with him. Pop will be greatly missed.
The family will receive guests on Wednesday, December 10 from 5-7 pm at Lord and Stephens West Funeral Home. The funeral will be at 11am on Thursday, Dec 11 at Antioch Christian Church, Watkinsville. Burial will follow in the church cemetery.
Lord & Stephens West is in charge of arrangements. www.lordandstephens.com