March 2, 1926 - Nov. 14, 2008

CHESTERFIELD — Ray Lewis Wilson, 82, died Nov. 14, 2008, at his residence, following an extended illness.

He was born March 2, 1926, in Onieda, Ky., the son of Pleasant and Sarah (Cook) Wilson, and had resided in this area since the early 1940s.

He was employed as a railroad engineer for Conrail for 23 years, retiring in December 1979.

He was active in the State Guards in the 1940’s; and a member of Brotherhood for Locomotive Engineers. He enjoyed deer hunting, gardening and woodworking.

Survivors include his wife of 63 years, Gladys Nadine Wilson; two daughters, Arvella and husband Gary Mullins of Middletown and Teresa and husband Ken Jones of Markleville; four grandchildren, Ken (Tracy) Mullins of Anderson, Angela (Merrill) Michael of Auburn Hills, Mich., Jessica (Jason) Meeker of Pendleton and Jason Jones of Markleville; five great-grandchildren, Victoria Tidwell of Middletown, Jerrica Mullins of Muncie, Chase Tidwell of Middletown, Caleb Meeker of Pendleton and Jesse Michael of Selma; brother, Ralph Wilson of Anderson; three sisters, Julie Keffer of Ohio, Pearl Miller of Florida and Mayme Robinson of Kentucky; and several nieces and nephews.

He was preceded in death by his parents, Pleasant and Sarah (Cook) Wilson; a daughter, Mary Catherine Wilson; two sisters, Virgie Eckstein and June Dean; a brother, Raymond Wilson; other half-brothers and half-sisters; and a granddaughter, Kristie Jones.

Services will be held at 1 p.m. Wednesday at Rozelle-Johnson Funeral Service, 229 S. Rangeline Road, Anderson, and officiated by Pastor Shawn Easterling of Markleville Christian Church. Burial will take place at East Maplewood Cemetery, Anderson.

Visitation will be from 5 to 8 p.m. Tuesday at the funeral home.

Memorial contributions may be given to American Cancer Society or American Heart Association.