John E. "Ed" Wilson was born in Reidsville, NC to James E. and Colleen Busick Wilson on August 15, 1953.

Ed's early years were filled with family and church activities, farm chores, school sports, hunting, fishing, and Boy Scouts where he earned the rank of "Eagle Scout". He had fond memories of yearly family vacations to White Lake and Carolina Beach.

After graduating from Reidsville Senior High in 1971, Ed proudly joined and served in the US Navy.

Post-Navy, Ed settled in Carolina Beach, NC. During that time, he worked on several commercial fishing boats and head boats from North Carolina in the summers to the Florida Keys in the winter.

In the early 1980's after meeting his future wife and fishing buddy, Ed decided it was time to grow up and take a land-based job. That was the beginning of the 30+ year retail management career that took him from Carolina Beach, NC to Charleston, SC to Raleigh, NC then Gainesville, GA and finally to Georgetown County, SC.

He loved great food (particularly seafood) and further loved to share great food with friends and neighbors. Other passions included fishing, growing vegetables, following Chase Elliott and NASCAR, Penn State Wrestling and UNC Basketball.

Behind his gruff exterior, Ed had a heart of gold that only those who truly knew him could see. He loved dogs and later developed a love of cats. Over the years many stray dogs were brought home to be loved and cared for.

Ed is survived by his wife, Liz, son, John of Georgia, and brother Tim (Karen) of North Carolina.

Special thanks to Amedisys Hospice for helping him on his final journey.

The Andrews Chapel of Mayer-Ethridge Funeral Home and Crematory is in charge of arrangements.