John Moran Wilson

John Wilson was born in Morganton, NC, to Josephine and Moran Wilson on March 14, 1931. He graduated from Morganton High School and the University of South Carolina and pursued graduate studies at the University of Tennessee.

John was a charter member of the Morganton Elks Lodge and held life memberships in the Masonic Lodge, Moose Lodge, American Legion, VFW, and the USC Alumni Association. He was a proud Army veteran of the Korean War.

A passionate enthusiast of antique cars and airplanes, John earned a commercial pilot’s license with a glider certification, as well as an A&P mechanic’s license with Inspection Authorization. Though he never worked in aviation professionally, his dedication to the field was recognized by the FAA, which honored him with its two highest awards: the Master Pilot Award and the Master Mechanic Award.

John is survived by his daughter, Laura A. Wilson, as well as several nieces and nephews. He loved his family dearly. He was preceded in death by his parents; his infant son, John Jr.; his twin brother, George David Wilson; and his sisters, Mary Anna Shore, Ruth Russell, and Sarah Campany.

In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to Veterans Affairs at www.cdceportal.va.gov.(opens in new tab)

A visitation for John will be held on Wednesday, March 26, from 10:00 am to 12:00 pm at Hardage-Giddens Rivermead Chapel located at 127 Blanding Blvd., Orange Park, Florida 32073.

A graveside service will be held at 2pm on Sunday, March 30, 2025 at Forest Hill Cemetery with Rev. Dr. Ran Whitley. The family will receive friends following the service. Military honors will be provided by the NC National Guard.

Sossoman Funeral Home and Crematory Center is assisting the family with the local arrangements.