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David Collins Wilson, 77, loving sibling, husband, father, grandfather, educator and dear friend to many passed away peacefully June 15, 2024 at Trinity Oaks Assisted Living in Salisbury, NC.
David was born February 6, 1947 in Leaksville (now Eden), North Carolina to the late Lawrence (Dick) Wilson and June Parker Wren. David and family were life-long members of Leaksville United Methodist Church. The middle of three children, he attended Morehead High School, and then Wake Forest University where he received a BS in Mathematics (‘69), later receiving a Masters in Teaching from Emory University (‘72). David was a life-long learner and gifted educator, teaching at Berry Academy (now College), Greensboro Day School, then returning to Eden to both teach math and create the Soccer program at Morehead High School. His passion for teaching eventually led him back to his alma mater, Wake Forest, where he was actively teaching and tutoring until his retirement in 2015. David retired from teaching and took a more difficult job; care-giving. David provided full-time care for his late wife, Anita, who passed away in 2022 from Frontotemporal Dementia (FTD). Prior to Anita’s decline, she and David lived an active lifestyle – from playing doubles tennis, bridge club, ballroom dancing, to frequent trips to the beach or to visit their children and grandchildren. In the later years, David exercised his brain spending several hours a day doing math, sudoku, crossword puzzles, jigsaw puzzles, reading and of course cheering for Wake Forest.
David selflessly put his family and others above himself. He was first to say hello to a new neighbor on the street or raise his hand and volunteer for something if he knew it needed to happen. He was the neighbor rolling in trash cans, collecting their papers, or bringing in mail for those less able than him. He was the teacher that always stayed after class to help a student or let them retake a test. He was the soccer and basketball coach that made all team members feel included. He taught summer school and tutored high school and college students to enable his family to have a summer vacation. He wrote, but never published, several textbooks designed around the methods he used to teach his students. He cared dearly for others, demonstrated by the care he took for both his mother and wife when they needed it. David demonstrated Christian values throughout his life and was a role model for many.
He is survived by his two children, Amy Wilson (Benjamin Ott) of Salisbury; Brian Wilson, (Rachel) of Garner, NC; three grandchildren, Ethan Ott, Emma Ott, and Marley Wilson; sister, June Hundley (Bob) of Spencer, NC; brother Lawrence Wilson of Hot Springs, Arkansas; sister-in-law Linda Crowder of Marion, VA; brother-in-law Emory Frank Carter, Jr. (Iris) of Greenville, SC; and many other cousins and family members whom he loved keeping in touch with.
In lieu of flowers, memorials may be made to:
Milford Hills United Methodist Church
Leaksville United Methodist Church
88.5 WFDD
Online condolences may be offered to the family at www.fairfuneralhome.com
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