EDEN - Mr. Benjamin "Frank" Wilson, age 71, passed away Sunday, June 16, 2024 at his residence.

Public viewing will begin Thursday, June 20, 2024 from 12 until 8 p.m. at McLaurin-Harris Funeral Home, 721 East Morehead Street, Reidsville, NC.

Funeral services will be held Friday, June 21, 2024 at 12 p.m. at Zion Baptist Church, 807 Piedmont Street, Reidsville, NC. The family visitation will begin at 11:30 a.m. Pastor Marcus Fairly will officiate and Reverend Gregory T. Headen will deliver the words of comfort.

Interment will follow in Wilson Family Cemetery, Cascade, VA.

You may live stream the service via https://www.youtube.com/@McLaurin-Harris_Live

Benjamin Franklin Wilson was born on October 13, 1952, in Martinsville, VA to the late Mellon Benjamin Wilson and Annie Martin Wilson and was the second of eight children. "Frank" as he was affectionately called, was educated in Pittsylvania County Schools of Virginia, graduating from Southside High School in Blairs, VA in 1969 at the age of 16. He continued his education at Danville Community College.
Growing up on a farm and developing a strong work ethic, Frank began his working career at a young age at Westinghouse in South Boston, VA before moving on to Goodyear Tire and Rubber Company in Danville in 1976. He began his work there in quality control and held several other positions before moving up the management ladder. Frank retired from the position of production specialist manager over the aircraft tire room in 2012 after thirty-six and a half years.

Frank joined Zion Baptist Church in 2018 and became an active member immediately, serving as a Trustee, on the Men's Ministry, Finance Committee and co-chair of the Pastoral Search Committee. He also co-chaired the Clarence Tucker Golf Tournament since its inception six years ago.

An avid golfer and a die-hard Redskins fan, Frank was also involved in his community in numerous ways. He was active as a volunteer fire fighter with the Brosville Fire Department and became a lifetime member. He also ventured into the Rescue Squad area with Martinsville/Henry County, VA where he became an EMT and earned his cardiac tech/shock trauma certifications in NC and VA. Frank was one of the four founding members of the Axton Life Saving Crew and served as captain for ten years. He was instrumental in establishing the squad itself as well as the construction of an apartment building. It gave him pleasure to be able to serve others in those often times life-saving activities. Although no longer active, Frank remained a lifetime member of the Axton Life Saving Crew. Additionally, he served as Precinct Officer and Chief Judge for the Rockingham County Moss Street Voting Precinct since 2013. When Frank wasn't helping someone in need or helping with an activity at his church, he could be found on the golf course, working in his garden or mowing his "golf course looking grass."
In addition to his father, Mellon Benjamin Wilson, Frank is predeceased by his sister-cousin, Teresa Craig.

Those left to cherish precious memories are: his loving and devoted wife of 40 years, Rita Oliphant Wilson, of the home; three daughters, Valencia "Lisa" Spencer (Warren) of Cascade, VA, Frankie Cathcart (Rodney) of Browns Summit, NC, and Whitney D. Wilson of Greensboro, NC; son, Daniel Wilson (Taylor) of Jamestown, NC; mother, Annie Martin Wilson of Cascade, VA; sisters, Gwen Holland (Louis) of College Park, MD, Gloria Kirby (Al) of Axton, VA, Anna Warren (Ronnie) of Cascade, VA, and Ruth Smith (Phil) of Cascade, VA; brothers, Calvin Wilson (Mickey) of Jacksonville, NC, Alvin Wilson of Cascade, VA and Steve Wilson (Lisa) of Cascade VA; aunt, Della Wilson of Axton, VA; grandchildren, Trey, Josh (Raina), Kaleel, Kalin, Diaquice, Elijah, Anaya, NaNa, Keelii and Lila; great- grandchild, Kaiden; and a plethora of other relatives and dear friends.

Service by McLaurin-Harris.