Gerald Wayne "Jerry" Wilson

Gerald Wayne “Jerry” Wilson, age 86 of Paris, TN, died Tuesday, March 19, 2019, at his residence.

He retired as a Staff Sergeant in the U.S. Army and served as a paratrooper in the 101st Airborne. He also served in the Vietnam and Korean wars. Jerry formerly worked at Reeves Service Center in Florence, KY. He was a member of Christ Lutheran Church in Paris. He enjoyed carpentry, fishing, simulated flying, metal detecting, and he loved watching his birds.

Jerry was born July 15, 1932, to the late William Taylor Wilson and the late Vera Sanders Wilson.

He was first married to Charlotte Dunn Wilson, who preceded him in death. He was later married on June 2, 1982, to Betty Ann Wilson, who preceded him in death on November 8, 2011.

He is survived by five daughters, Deborah (Pete) Hall of Martin, TN, Dianne (Shaun) Steburg of Moncks Corner, SC, Patricia Lewis of Paris, TN, Jo Ann (Paul) Hagadorn of Florence, KY, and Teresa (Wayne) Skaggs of Paris, TN; one son, Gerald (Michelle) Wilson, Jr., of Fairview, TN; one sister, JoAnn (Jeff) Wheeler of Paris, TN; one brother, Cecil (Virginia) Wilson of Sylvania, OH; one step-sister, Bonnie (Richard) Lemmons of Florida; one step-brother, Marlin Pack of Colorado; 14 grandchildren, 29 great grandchildren, and one great-great grandchild.

In addition to his parents, his first wife, and his second wife, he was also preceded in death by two brothers, William Cleo Wilson and James G. Wilson; two step-brothers, Jim Pack and George Pack; and two grandsons, Kevin W. Wilson and Jericho Baker.

Arrangements will be handled by Ridgeway Funeral Home, 201 Dunlap St., Paris, TN, 38242.  Visitation will be Sunday, March 24, 2019, from 12:00 pm – 1:30 pm at Ridgeway Funeral Home.  A graveside service will be held Sunday, March 24, 2019, at 2:00 pm at Memorial Cemetery in Paris, TN, with Robert Baker officiating.

Pallbearers will be Timmy Baker, PJ Hall, Brian Harris, Dakota Wilson, Jeremy Causey, Ashley Skaggs, and Amber Harris.

Burial will follow the graveside service in Memorial Cemetery.