Jerry Marshall Wilson, 78, of Brasstown passed away Tuesday, April 19, 2016 at his residence. He was a native and lifetime resident of Cherokee County. He served in the United States Marine Corps. He was a member of New Martins Creek Baptist Church. He served as both a deacon and Sunday School teacher for over 40 years. He coached Little League for over 20 years. Jerry was a singer and songwriter of gospel music and he passed on his love of music to his family.
He was the son of the late Rev. Wade Earl and Edna Marie Elliott Wilson.
Surviving are his wife of 52 years, Evelyn Louzine Wilson; a daughter, Tipper Pressley and husband, Matt of Brasstown; two sons, Steve Wilson and wife, Kim, and Paul Wilson, all of Brasstown; a sister, Carrie Burke and husband, Jerry of Canton, North Carolina; two brothers, Billy Ray Wilson and wife, Darlene, and Henry Wade Wilson and wife, Brenda, all of Brasstown; five grandchildren, Benjamin Wilson and wife, Rachel, Mark Wilson, April Wilson, Katie Pressley, and Corie Pressley; and many nieces and nephews.
Funeral services will be held at 3:00 PM Thursday, April 21 in New Martins Creek Baptist Church with the Revs. Hoyt Brown and Paul Ray Morgan officiating. The interment will be in the church cemetery with military graveside rites conducted by the Murphy American Legion Post 96, VFW Post 10222, Hayesville VFW Post 6812 (Allison-Bristol), American Legion Post 532, Marine Corps League Cherokee Detachment 1011, and the Marine Corps Honor Guard. Pallbearers will be Benjamin, Mark, and Darren Wilson, Matt Pressley, Curry Penland, and Jeff Cook. Honorary pallbearers will be Travis Chastain, Brian Wilson, and Deacons of the New Martins Creek Baptist Church.
The family will receive friends from 12-2:45 Thursday afternoon at the New Martins Creek Baptist Church prior to the services.
In lieu of flowers, the family requests memorials be made in memory of Jerry M. Wilson to the John C. Campbell Folk School Music Scholarship Fund, 1 Folk School Road, Brasstown, NC 28902.
Ivie Funeral Home, Murphy is in charge of all arrangements.
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What a sad time this has been for us, but Pap was ready to go. We are so grateful that the Lord let us have him as a father, a husband, a grandfather, a uncle, a brother, a friend. There’s a story to tell of Pap’s passing and I’ll share it with you when I can.
Pap cared for each of you Blind Pig Readers. He appreciated the comments you left, and most of all he appreciated the support you unfailingly offer to me in my endeavor to preserve and celebrate the rich culture and heritage of Appalachia.
Tipper
❤️SusieQ
Tipper: TODAY 04-19-17 is my Sweetheart’s birthday! Your amazing post about your dear father’s death is beyond words! This day will be exceedingly special because of your sorry and loss!
When our sweet Joey was killed on a beautiful Sunday – just three days after his 17th birthday – I didn’t think I could come out of the darkness! But I ran away to Nashville, got a great teaching job down there and drove up and down I-40 for fifteen years!
With much devotion!
Eva Nell
Tipper,
I am sorry for your loss, but it is heaven’s gain!
I really enjoyed listening to Pap sing gospel hymns. Now, he is singing them to Jesus.
I have been in the middle of moving from Dallas area to the East Texas Piney Woods, haven’t had internet until today.
Your Texas friend,
Bryant
Oh, my dear Tipper, I am saddened to learn just today of your loss of your cherished daddy. My deepest sympathy to you, your mom, and your entire family. How blessed Pap was to have such a loving and devoted (and musical!) family, and what a rich, full, purposeful life he led! The beautiful picture shows his great strength of character. May our dear Lord of all comfort be very close to you in the weeks to come. And thank you for your wonderful blog that has led so many people to love you and your extended family.
Tipper and the Wilson clan – I am so sorry for the loss of your Pap. He will come visit you in your dreams, as my Daddy has, and I hope you get to have those conversations again with him. May your memories sustain you with the love you all have for him. Bless your hearts.
Tipper and family. So sorry to hear of Jerry’s passing. My heart is heavy. He was a good person all around and I so enjoyed seeing him because he always made you laugh and smile. Such a talent the world has lost but he will live on in his grand kids. He will be missed by so many.
Tipper, I’m so sorry. We’ve had a lot of sickness in our family so I’ve not checked into the Blind Pig in about 2 weeks. Love & Prayers.
Weeping may endure for a night, but joy cometh in the morning. Psalms 30:5
Dear Tipper, I’ve been giving it some time to send my condolences because I know how hard it is to be grieving and trying to keep up with all the notes. You know that there is so much love directed to you and your family, but it’s hard to assimilate everything. Please know that my deepest sympathies are with you and yours. May you hear your dear Pap’s voice in the wind and feel his love always around you. The love that he had for you will never leave you. With love, Melissa
Oh, dear friend! It made me SO sad to hear that Pap has died. I just cannot put into words what a huge void that makes me feel. My husband will be so heartbroken over this, too, as he LOVES to sit and watch your videos and hear you all play music and sing. I have lost both of my precious parents, so I truly know what you are going through. My Daddy played the 5-string banjo and guitar, and he and Mom and I would pick and sing, along with many other family members. It truly IS hard to go on with the music, when someone so precious is no longer there, but we all know that they would absolutely want us to continue and not let it die. You and your husband and family have our deepest, most heartfelt sympathy. God bless you and hold you extra close as you grieve.
So sorry for your loss. Have really enjoyed his “pickin with Paul”. He had a great voice and brought a lot of joy to many. He will certainly be missed by all. I pray God will comfort you and your family.
Praying for the comfort only the Lord can give and your family during this sad time.
Tipper I am so sorry to hear about the passing of your dad. My thoughts and prayers are with you and your family.
Dear Tipper and Wilson family- We are so sad to learn of Pap’ passing. We feel as if we have lost a dear friend. Just hearing his sweet tenor voice with Paul’s voice here on this site has been such pleasure. We enjoy all the music for sure. We pray that God will be your strength and comfort in the coming days. It is amazing that just reading this site each day and listening to the music,etc., makes one feel so close to you all. We share your pain and sorrow. It does not make it any easier at this time, but we will see Pap again. Scripture says-“absent from the body present with the Lord”. Our sincere sympathy to each and every family member. Love and prayers.
Dear Tipper and Wilson family- We are so sad to learn of Pap’ passing. We feel as if we have lost a dear friend. Just hearing his sweet tenor voice with Paul’s voice here on this site has been such pleasure. We enjoy all the music for sure. We pray that God will be your strength and comfort in the coming days. It is amazing that just reading this site each day and listening to the music,etc., makes one feel so close to you all. We share your pain and sorrow. It does not make it any easier at this time, but we will see Pap again. Scripture says-“absent from the body present with the Lord”. Our sincere sympathy to each and every family member. Love and prayers.
Dear Tipper and Wilson family- We are so sad to learn of Pap’ passing. We feel as if we have lost a dear friend. Just hearing his sweet tenor voice with Paul’s voice here on this site has been such pleasure. We enjoy all the music for sure. We pray that God will be your strength and comfort in the coming days. It is amazing that just reading this site each day and listening to the music,etc., makes one feel so close to you all. We share your pain and sorrow. It does not make it any easier at this time, but we will see Pap again. Scripture says-“absent from the body present with the Lord”. Our sincere sympathy to each and every family member. Love and prayers.
Dear Tipper and Wilson family- We are so sad to learn of Pap’ passing. We feel as if we have lost a dear friend. Just hearing his sweet tenor voice with Paul’s voice here on this site has been such pleasure. We enjoy all the music for sure. We pray that God will be your strength and comfort in the coming days. It is amazing that just reading this site each day and listening to the music,etc., makes one feel so close to you all. We share your pain and sorrow. It does not make it any easier at this time, but we will see Pap again. Scripture says-“absent from the body present with the Lord”. Our sincere sympathy to each and every family member. Love and prayers.
Tipper and Family when I opened my computer this evening I read the sad news of your fathers passing for the first time in days because it was messed up.
I am so sorry for you and family and for you Mother because this was her soul mate and now one half of her is gone. Hold her close and love her. My the Lord keep you strong at this time. Both of my parents are at rest. Lean on the Lord.
Love in Christ
Peggy L.
tipper and family: so,so, sorry for your loss. god bless pap. our heart goes out to you all. k.o.h
Tipper
I am so sorry about your dad. My prayers are with you & your family.
a friend
Marshall
So sorry to hear of your loss.. May you be comforted at this time and know that others are thinking and praying for you and your family. May you always remember the good.
Dear Tipper, I am so sorry to see on your post that your Dad had passed. May God Bless each one and my prayers are with you all at this sad time. I know that he will be missed. .
Oh, my God! I have been gone the last few days and just checked in with the The Blind Pig. Oh, Tipper (and family) you have my deepest sympathy. I didn’t even know your father, but I grew to love him over my months with The Blind Pig and getting to meet you and Katie and Corie last October.
I love your father’s music, his words and gentle voice. You all have so many memories and music to keep him with you each day and to keep his hand in yours as the days go forward.
I was surprised, yet not….as he had his share of health troubles, many of which he had struggled thru over quite a few years. The man seemed full of love, which was shown on a daily basis and in many ways. You all have my prayers as Pap has flown away. One of my favorite songs….”I’ll Fly Away”.
Dear Tipper and family, am so sorry to hear of the loss of your Father. I know you were very close to him .You and the entire family have my sincere sympathy . Especially the girls. Although we have never met in person , I consider you Family. I have followed your family since before the girls were teen agers .I have enjoyed watching them grow into Beautiful young women who are very talented . May God Bless you all,
I’m so sorry for your loss. Sending prayers to you and all the family for peace and comfort.
Tipper, I am so sorry for your loss. My father passed away last May. There really are no words to express the sorrow. Thinking of you, Judith
Dear Tipper and family, I just now read this post and am so sorry to hear about your father’s passing. I realize from your daily post what a huge part of your life he was and how much he will be missed by all. Please accept my heartfelt sympathy.
Dear Tipper and family,
So very sorry for your loss. I read this shortly after my fathers passing and it reminded me of the joy and the gifts he gave.
“The meaning of Life is to find your Gift. The Purpose of life is to Give it AWAY.”
Unknown
I’m deeply saddened by the loss of “Pap.” He was a very special person and even though I never met him, his and all your family’s music meant, a great deal to me. My thoughts and prayers are with all of you. May God be with all of you at tomorrow’s service
Tipper, you and your precious family are in my thoughts and prayers. I feel I know your Dad from listening to him sing and the stories you have shared throughout the many years I have followed your blog. May God comfort you during this sorrowful time.
Tipper, I am so sad to learn that you lost your sweet daddy. Thank you for your generosity in sharing your Pap with us here. We all have grown to love him like family. My life has been enriched by his music, heart warming and humorous stories, wisdom and kind spirit. He put your family at the center of his love and you beautifully reflect his goodness in your own lives. May God bless and comfort you and your family now and always.
Tipper, my sympathy is extended to you and your family. There’s not a doubt in my mind that your dad lives on — not only in heaven but here on earth through his huge legacy of hard work, love, actions, and music. Few people have touched so many lives! Brother Don recaptured and shared in emails our own father’s death and how God used Pap’s music to lead Dad home. Reading Don’s message brought tears to my eyes in memory of both our fathers.
Tipper, Paul and Wilson Family,
So sorry for your loss. Our prayers for those left behind for now. May your faith bring you comfort and peace that you will see him again.
The Riffle Family
This breaks my heart. Sending love and thanks for the blessing of meeting him, and being able to hear his music, Tipper. Such a man doesn’t pass through this world very often.
Tipper, I am SO sorry! You and your family are in our prayers. Peace be with you!!
My very deepest sympathy to you Tipper this is a great loss for you….. to lose your Dad is heartbreaking…May God watch over you all and bless you and wrap his arms around you ! Sending much love! Take good care of each other.
I feel your pain. Buried my mom today. She was 86. Her body just wore out. Still a sound mind. As long as I live, I’ll remember and love her. We are both bless to have had them for years. It’s not goodbye. It’s I’ll see you again.
Tipper and family,
I am so sorry for your loss. I know how much you all loved your father. He was a great man who built a loving talented family. I know you are comforted in the fact he is in a better place with his heavenly Father.
He will live on in the wonderful recordings and you will see him again one day.
With Love
Brenda Jump
i’m so sorry, tipper.
It was one of those days I didn’t get on until late due to server problems.
Through the years of reading The Blind Pig, I felt as if I knew Pap. The way he lived his life always reminded me of my own dear Dad who left us at the same age and was also a military veteran. He taught you well, and I know you will be there for your wonderful Mother.
I have shed a few tears for this man I never met, and also for his family. Sadly, the only downside to having great parents is losing one of them. I know how difficult it is, Tipper, but God gives us such an ability to overcome grief. Best of all he will give Jerry a brand new body free of disease. God Bless your family, and may he help those grandchildren with this loss.
Tipper, we are so sorry for your loss. Your eulogy is beautiful and from the comments of your readers, it is obvious that Pap was well loved by so many in his community. I wish we could have met him and heard him sing. You and your family are in our prayers. Zeb and June Jolley
Tipper,
I am so very sorry about the passing of your precious daddy. He was a family treasure and your family are fortunate to have had him in your life. Prayers, blessings,comfort and strength from our God who knows all and has a plan for all. May God be with your family the next days,months and years. He really must have been a great dad and mentor to many and please continue his work in music and our Appalachian way of life. Hope your dear mother can be comforted during this difficult time.
Please tell Katie I wrote and I know your girls are so saddened by his passing but pap gave them a gift of love and music.
Isaiah 40:31
Love in Christ,
Carol Rosenbalm
Tipper may God hold each of you tight, we are sad along with you. I met you in Sylvia and always followed the Wilson Brother in show and radio.
tipper you have made our hearts happy too . Jerry fulfilled his talents here on earth and God wanted him home with him . Hoover close to your mother she will need you more now.
Tipper, first of all we love all the Wilson family . We have followed the Wilson Brothers for years in shows and radio.
Our hearts are sad along with all of you. Jerry will be missed so much by family and friends but we have a higher calling and Jerry is with this great God.
Pap and Granny raised a good family. He set a strong example for not only family but also friends – even those he hadn’t met; and he left a passle of good memories in which to wrap and comfort you. The void of his physical presence will eventually be cushioned by each memento that triggers his memory. Every time you listen to or play his music, his arms will wrap around you, his hands will caress the body of a guitar, his fingers will tease a tune from the strings. In everything Appalachian you will hear his wholesome and sweet tenor. You and your family honor his life and his memory.
In deepest sympathy, Tamela
Dear Tipper ~ ~ Sincere sympathy to you and your family on Pap’s homegoing to Glory. May our Lord be especially near to you all at this time. Love and Prayers, Ruth B.
Tipper – Is your mother OK?
Tipper, so sorry for your loss, what a wonderful role model Pap was to all his family. Hold your sweet memories close at this time. Prayers for you and your family .
May the Lord bless all your family during this time. May His peace that passes all understanding surround you. Pap reminded me so much of my Daddy. What a rich legacy he has left for all of you and even us…a man of great faith…and he has passed it on! Thank you, Lord, for this wonderful man and his family.
My Dear Tipper and family,my thoughts.prayers and tears to you and yours. God Bless.Jean
It was a shock to read this obituary and suddenly realize that it is your dear “Pap”, Tipper, who passed to his heavenly home. May God’s presence be with you and your family at this time. May you experience HIS grace and mercy through the love of your family and many friends.
Eleanor L., Columbia Station OH
Tipper,
God bless The Wilson Family in this hour of need. I guess no other human has made such an impression on me. I’ve been listening to our local radio station playing Jerry’s music most all day, with an occasional song or two by Chitter and Chatter. …Ken
Tipper:
By the time I got half-way through your note, I could not see through my tears! We are so blessed to have known “THE FINEST MAN” among us! I will never forget our time that beautiful summer evening, at the Folk School, where I first heard all of you performing in such a wonderful ‘family’ group!
May your sorrow ease in time!
With much devotion,
Eva Nell Mull Wike, PhD
as i read this the player is on #6. He Whispers Sweet Peace to Me. May God whisper gently to all of you. I love you and yours so much. I am so sorry.
I am sorry. His life has been a gift to all of us, but most especially to his family and friends. My thoughts and prayers are with you all. May the love and joy and music you shared sustain you in the days ahead.
A line spoken by one of the elders who preached my wife’s Mom’s funeral: “I did not know that woman, but she preached her own funeral in the way she lived her life.” I’ve listened to Pap’s music for several years now and read your tales of his experiences and I’m certain that he’s in the presence of The Greater Power today.
My condolences to all of those that he has left behind, and my assurance that the pain of his passing will, in time, subside and be replaced with great memories.
Howland (Jack Yates)
In Crockett, Kentucky
Tipper,
Sorry about your loss.
Your dad was my age. I was born April 23, 1937.
Although you are all sad you can rejoice in his legacy. Thanks to you and your family for sharing him with so many. Just imagine how many places and people he reached through your blog! Who knows how far away from your corner of Appalachia he traveled. He certainly left a positive spot in the world. Although some people’s voices will never be heard again his will continue to bring happiness and joy. How proud you must be and how proud he must be that his musical talent is being handed down to the younger generations of family. Take care.
Like everyone else, I am sorry for your loss. My family’s thoughts and prayers are with your family.
All of us who have been touched by stories of your father and his music, feel that loss, too. I don’t think there is a better testament to a good life than to have his passing be all of our loss.
I’m at school today. I think I will shut my office door, put on my “Shepherd of My Soul” CD and thank your Dad for all the enjoyment his music has given me and my family and will continue to provide through his children and grandchildren.
Again, truly sorry for your loss.
Tipper, I am so much saddened to hear of your father’s passing. I know that he will be missed by all of us, but he knew where he was going, which is an amazing blessing.
Your family is in our prayers.
Our thoughs and prayers are with you and your family Tipper. Pap was certainly one of a kind and will be truly missed. Thankfully he will live on through his wonfderful legacy and all of the fine music he created. So sure that he has joined that beautiful choir in Heaven. May God bless all of you with His Love and care.
I’ll be thinking about all of you during this time of loss. I will always remember Jerry through his music and I thank you for that blessing. I send gentle hugs to everyone.
In this time of sorrow, I know I echo the sentiments of all who love Blind Pig & the Acorn, to say the Jerry Wilson family is imprinted indelibly in our lives. Pap will be with us forever in his music and our memories.
May God grant you all solace in the knowledge that “Pap” has run a blessed race and won the ultimate prize, his place in Paradise. The wonderful example he set for all of you and the great memories he leaves each means he will forever live within your hearts My thoughts, prayers and condolences are with each of you. Even though I never had the pleasure of meeting him you kindly shared him with each of us who follow the Blind Pig and Acorn and I feel I knew him. Thank you so much for this.
As a fellow sea service member, I wish for your father fair winds and following seas, deep green water under his bow, his main rifles trained in the posture of peace and a gentle breeze at his stern.
Hand Salute with all respect!
Garland Davis
Chief Petty Officer, USN (Ret)
I am so, so sorry to read this.
Sending prayers of comfort for all who loved him.
Oh Tipper, my heartfelt condolences to you and your whole family. I know how hard this is for you right now and my thoughts and prayers are with you. Your father had such a gift for music that will live on through his recordings and talented family. I’m sure he is singing with the angels now.
Pam
scrap-n-sewgranny.blogspot.com
Jerry and all of you have been on my mind since Wayde called me yesterday and told me the news of Jerry’s passing. I know it would be impossible to explain the grief that all of you feel now, but that is because Jerry was such a good man, and all of you are so close. I can honestly say that Jerry was one of the best people I’ve ever known, and his spirit will always be part of me. I thank Jerry and all of you for being the wonderful people you are.
Tipper, Our thoughts and prayers are with you and your family. We have come to know your Dad through Blind Pig. He will be missed by folks like me. God bless you and all of your family
Semper Fi Marine
“If the Army and the Navy
Ever look on Heaven’s scenes,
They will find the streets are guarded
By United States Marines.”
Marines just like Pap. Thank you God for his life and the fact that we will always be able to hear his voice and appreciate the words to the many songs that he wrote through the recordings that he left.
Tipper, we will pray for you and your family at this time.
Tipper, My deepest Sympathy for your loss but you will get to see him again one day. He had such a beautiful singing voice. My prayer goes out for you and your family.
Oh Tipper! I feel your loss! Having lost my step-dad and mom at this same time of year in 2013 and 2014 respectively, it’s already a difficult time. And no matter how “ready” they are, we never are…even if we think we are. To lose someone you’ve been with all your life…well there are no words to make you feel better…only time. So, I really do feel your loss….Marylou
Dear Tipper and family,
My heart hurts for you all this morning. When Mama died I loved to think of her meeting her sisters and friends again and how happy they would all be. They all loved music and dancing so maybe they will get to hear Pap play and sing.
I am and will be praying for you all that God will help you through this terrible time of sorrow. I am glad Pap felt ready to go but so sad that he is gone.
Love to you all,
Wanda
You and all of your family are in my prayers.
It’s very heartwarming to see so many folks “singing” Pap Home, Tipper. I hope knowing how many hearts he touched brings you comfort in the tough days ahead. And thank you so much for sharing your beloved Pap with all of us- Though I never had the honor of meeting him, I feel like I’ve lost a friend. Sending all of you prayerful thoughts and love.
My deepest sympathy to your family, Tipper. He was a part of all of your reader’s lives. Bless his memory.
Oh, Oh, Oh I’m sad for you all. I knew from earlier posts that you knew this time was not far away. But that doesn’t take away the sting. I know you all will never get past missing him. I do not say that to sadden you further but rather to say your missing him re-affirms the imporatance of his place in your lives and the value of his.
We each wish for those near and dear to us that life were not so hard, that we could spare them. But about the best we can do is let them know we would spare them if we could.
The Lord will subdue both your present sorrow and death itself unto himself. I look forward to meeting Jerry where neither of those things exist. I pray each of you will feel his consolation surrounding you.
Bless you, your family, and friends as you share the memories you have, until you can create new ones.
Tipper, Matt and girls. The blacksmith and I send you hugs and prayers. We feel so blessed that we had met your Dad in person and watched him perform several times. We always enjoy his CD’s when traveling. Such soothing music.
Heaven has gained a beautiful new voice in its choir.
Prayers, blessings and comfort to you and your family. Pap left so many gifts for you to treasure. Thank you for sharing them.
Dear Tipper, My heart breaks for you and your family. How blessed you were to have this man as your father. I am praying for you all. Love, Paula
I am glad you have so much of his music recorded. Sad times but memories will live forever. I am pleased that you share them with all of us in distant places. We would have never known.
My deepest sympathy.
Tipper I know there are no words at this time to take away your heartache and grief cause I’ve been there but me and my family are praying God gives you the comfort and peace to carry on his legacy and your heritage just as he’d want you too. You’ve been doing what he wanted you to and it will live on forever in the many hearts he touched. My daddy always said he was the one that favored your Grandpa Wade the most in every way … He loved him so much and everyone that ever came in contact with him he left an impression on. I know the road will be hard to walk but keep in mind that you all will see him again and hear him singing in heaven alongside his dad and mom. Can’t you just hear how much prettier Heaven’s choir is with him at the REALM playing his guitar. May God Comfort and Bless you all.
Susie and Kenneth.
May the good Lord bless and keep you and your family in His loving arms during this sad times. He, his guitar, and wonderful voice will be missed. You are so blessed with an extra special family. What I will offer you and the family are prayers and hugs.
So sorry for you and your family. You are all in my prayers.I lost my Daddy April 18,1996 to heart problems. He was 68.I understand how you must be feeling. Remember all the good times that you had ,remember all the things he taught you.You will carry his love for your each day in your heart.Prayers and hugs .Debbie Nobles
Very sorry to hear of your loss. Sounds like he made his decision and was ready. He obviously made a difference in his world and gave back a lot to the community. I hope to continue to hear his and Paul’s music and pretty harmonies on your blog.
I truly am so very sorry for your loss. My thoughts and prayers are with you and your family. God’s Peace to You.
Tipper,
Hard for me to accept the passing away of A
very good friend . I only meet PAP once but
talked with him many times by phone. Pap
is at rest with our God and Savior . My prayers
are with you and your family.
Charles Fletcher
I’ll be praying for you and your family in the coming days, weeks and months to come. I only knew your Dad through this site but am missing him also. I’m sorry.
We were blessed to “know” Pap through the Blind Pig. May the Peace of our Lord be the comfort for you and your family during this time and always.
Love,
Marolyn and Rooney
Tipper, and all the family,
We are so sorry for your loss. We are praying for the family that Gods love and comfort will surround you. In these sad times, we are comforted in prayer for your family that Gods peace will strengthen you through these long days of mourning for your father, husband, grandfather, uncle, brother and our friend.
Rest in peace Jerry.
Tipper, your fathers legacy is amazing and his music will carry us through and on for generations.
Tipper, I am so sorry to hear of the loss of your dad. Our prayers are with your mom and your whole family. How blessed your family has been to have shared your life with him.
I am so very sorry to hear about Pap’s passing. I feel as though I have lost a good friend. You and your family are in my thoughts and prayers.
I am so sorry for your loss. Thank you for sharing his music. It takes me back to a kinder, sompler time and place. God be with you.
My heartfelt condolences I send to the family, God bless you all and I love you.
Tipper, it’s with great sadness that I read the news of your Dads passing. Through your daily postings, I felt like a virtual family member.
Please give my regards to your family.
Ray
Tipper, I am heartbroken to hear about Pap’s death. It was clear how very important he was to you and your whole family. You were blessed to have him, and blessed that his love and his music will live on for many years to come in the continuing music in your family. I lost my dad almost 2 years ago, and I still think about him almost every day, so I know a little about your pain. My thoughts and prayers are with you and your whole family. May many wonderful memories comfort you as you mourn.
Oh Tipper, I’m so sorry for you loss. Keeping you and your family in thoughts and prayers.
Tipper, I am so sorry to hear of your loss. I’ve so enjoyed the music of your father on this site, and I thank you for sharing it. Sending you and your family good thoughts and prayers. He is home now, and free of pain and care.
Our condolences to your family for Paps passing. At 76 I am starting to realize the cycle of life. I get annoyed when my favorite people I knew or grew up with pass on. Then I realize that is the cycle of life. A plant grows and blooms into a beautiful flower and brings joy to us. Then it shrivels up and fades away. I did not meet Pap personally, but I saw everyone at Blairsville last year. What a wonderful group. I am saddened by his passing, but he will live on for me in his music. Thank you Tipper for your postings.
Michael Tarnowsky, Parrish, Florida.
So very sorry for your loss. You and yours are in my thoughts and prayers
Prayers to all
Love and prayers from our house to yours, Barbara
Tipper,
So sorry for the loss of your daddy. Prayers for you and your family. As so many of his songs tell us, you’ll see him again.
Janice
I am so sorry for your loss . My prayers are with your family.
Tipper, my heartfelt condolences to you and your family in your loss of your dad. Thanks to the Blind Pig, I have gotten to “know” your family, enjoy their music and realize just how special your dad was to all of you. God bless you all during this difficult time…. Glynn Harris
SO sorry to hear of Jerry’s passing. We’ve been following you here and on Facebook and feel like we’re friends. Cherish the memories of your dear father. Love to you and all your family. Thinking of you today and tomorrow as you say your farewells to a wonderful man! In Deepest Sympathy, Charlie & Lisa Hallett, Stormont, NS, Canada
SO sorry to hear of Jerry’s passing. We’ve been following you here and on Facebook and feel like we’re friends. Cherish the memories of your dear father. Love to you and all your family. Thinking of you today and tomorrow as you say your farewells to a wonderful man! In Deepest Sympathy, Charlie & Lisa Hallett, Stormont, NS, Canada
SO sorry to hear of Jerry’s passing. We’ve been following you here and on Facebook and feel like we’re friends. Cherish the memories of your dear father. Love to you and all your family. Thinking of you today and tomorrow as you say your farewells to a wonderful man! In Deepest Sympathy, Charlie & Lisa Hallett, Stormont, NS, Canada
SO sorry to hear of Jerry’s passing. We’ve been following you here and on Facebook and feel like we’re friends. Cherish the memories of your dear father. Love to you and all your family. Thinking of you today and tomorrow as you say your farewells to a wonderful man! In Deepest Sympathy, Charlie & Lisa Hallett, Stormont, NS, Canada
We will be praying for the entire family of Jerry Marshall Wilson – a marvelous man who finished strong.
Great Peace in the Lord,
Dwight Pearson
Please accept sincere condolences from me and my wife.
Tipper–What a wonderful photo of a wonderful man. Heaven has a new picker and songwriter, and a new voice will make the angels’ harmony sweeter still.
It’s a day of surpassing sadness in Brasstown, but try to find a bit of gladness in the memories and the man’s legacy. While doing so, remind yourself and those around you that the good earth and the bosom of the Appalachians never, ever lets us down.
I’m honored to have known him and I’m sure Blind Pig readers, even those who only knew him vicariously through your posts, feel exactly the same way.
Oh, my goodness. I’m so sorry to hear about Pap. I feel like I was just getting to know him. What a loss for your family. I’m sure he’ll be missed by everyone who knew him.
Thinking of you all. I know what a loss this is to you.
Misty
So very sorry for your family’s loss. To have raised such a wonderful family you can see the man that he was. I’ll be praying for you in this time of sorrow.
My heart-felt condolences, Tipper. Peace and comfort for all y’all during this hard time.
SEMPER FI, BROTHER! When a Marine meets a Marine anywhere, they are never strangers. Our prayers go out to you and your family.
The finest man I’ve ever known!
I am so sorry for your family’s loss. You will be in my prayers.
Tipper and family,
Our love and deepest sympathy goes out to you and your beloved family at the passing of your father, Jerry Wilson. A father’s love is everlasting. Even though we know his heavenly reunion was is joyful, his loss here on earth is full of sorrow and pain. Our hearts are with you during this time.
Ed and Carol Reid
Brasstown NC
Deep condolences for your loss, Tipper. What a wonderful legacy Pap has created in his life and words and music. My thoughts are with you and your family and friends.
Words cannot tell how important the Wilson family and Jerry in particular was to my wife Susan and me during my father’s passing. The original gospel songs of Jerry Wilson, written decades beforehand, were certainly for more than just us. But they were words and melodies which lifted my Daddy and carried him across the river on angel wings in his final hour, all the while bringing not just comfort, but joy unspeakable to our souls.
It was a gift that could never be repaid, given by a man who was the finest in a fine mountain tradition.
A month or so after Daddy died, I stopped and had a couple hour visit with Jerry at the Martins Creek Community Center. He was cleaning the place up in preparation for some community event – the sort of thing that a man who loved his mountain home and his mountain people is wont to do. Just the two of us sat and talked. You know, I couldn’t tell you a single thing we discussed, but it became abundantly clear that Pap had done much reading and thoughtful considering about this world and our days passing through it.
Pap was an image of his Savior, a Balm of Gilead, bringing nurture and healing to a troubled soul. I recall thinking, as I drove from Martins Creek on to Bryson City, that he was a male version of a couple of aunts of mine – Aunts Annie and Hildred – people who just to be around lifted your spirit and made you want to be a better person.
Uncle Jerry Wilson and family, there’s a mountain boy from the next county over who may a little off key, but he is sure enough singing for you.