Obituary of R.O. Wilson

R.O. Wilson, 84, of Cullowhee N.C. passed away Wednesday, November 22, 2017 at Harris Regional Hospital. A life-long resident of Jackson County and Cullowhee, he was the son of the late Thomas Cleveland and Lela Trantham Wilson. In addition to his parents, he was preceded in death by his wife; Ruth Coggins Wilson (2001), one daughter; Patricia Ann (1960), and two sisters; Azalee Wilson and Elease Landreth. R.O. is survived by one brother; Granville Wilson (Hilda), of Cullowhee, two nephews; Greg and Matt Wilson and a very special friend; Grover Hunter. Born in 1933, he worked in timber for fifty years, starting with a crosscut saw. He was also a craftsman, building a hand-hewed log cabin in 1982 at the World's Fair in Knoxville, TN. In 1983, he constructed a log cabin that was part of an exhibit for many years in the Mountain Heritage Center at WCU. R.O. demonstrated his crafts and talent at the Mountain Heritage Day for 42 years and received the Mountain Heritage Award at WCU in 2015. He loved the outdoors, hunting, fishing, and especially digging ginseng in the fall. Funeral services will be held on Saturday, November 25, 2017 at 1:00 pm at the Appalachian Funeral Services Chapel and will be conducted by the Rev. Steve Webb. The family will receive friends one hour prior to the service, from 12:00–1:00 pm. Memorials may be made to: Wilson Cemetery, C/O Granville Wilson, 2769 Cullowhee Mountain Rd., Cullowhee, NC 28723 . .