Donald E. Wilson, 78, of Johnson City (Carter County), passed away on Monday, April 6, 2015, at his residence, following an extended illness. Donald was born in Middlesboro, Ky., and had resided in South Dakota from 1956-1984, before moving to Elizabethton. He was a son of the late Fred Wilson and Olive Parton Hunley. In addition to his parents, he was preceded in death by a daughter, Rhonda Wilson, in 1969.
Mr. Wilson was the former owner and operator of Taco John’s in Elizabethton and was of the Baptist faith. He was a member of the Mountain Trail Riders and was a United States Air Force veteran, having served in the Korean Conflict.
Survivors include his wife of 55 years, Katherine Thompson Wilson, of the home; a daughter, Donnelle Wilson, Rapid City, S.D.; a son, Doug Wilson and fiancée, Debbie Leveau, Elizabethton; a granddaughter, Peyton Wilson, Elizabethton; a brother, Jerry Hunley and wife Louise, Cumberland Gap, Tenn.; a half sister, Billie Jean Rice, Orlando, Fla.; a step-sister, Sandra Frederick and husband Muggs, of Indiana; his loving companion and “grand dog” Lola, many friends and acquaintances, and several cousins, nieces and nephews.
A service to honor the life of Donald E. Wilson will be conducted at 2 p.m. Friday, April 10, in the Riverside Chapel of Tetrick Funeral Home, Elizabethton, with Rev. Shane Waters officiating. The family will receive friends in the funeral home chapel from 1 until 2 p.m. Friday, prior to the service. The committal and entombment will follow in the Mausoleum of Peace at Happy Valley Memorial Park. Military Honors will be accorded by the Carter County Honor Guard. Active pallbearers will be selected from family and friends. Those who prefer memorials in lieu of flowers, may make donations to St. Jude Children’s Hospital, 2335 Knob Creek Road, Suite 101, Johnson City, TN 37601; or to the Carter County Animal Shelter, P.O. Box 134, Elizabethton, TN 37644. Online condolences may be sent to the family by visiting www.tetrickfuneralhome.com and signing the guest book.
Tetrick Funeral Home, Elizabethton, is serving the Wilson family. Office: (423) 542-2232. Obituary Line: (423) 543-4917.