Walter Stuart "Pete" Wilson Sr. of Decatur, died peacefully in his sleep on March 21, 2014. He was born April 23, 1924, at his family's home in Bay Minette. His family later moved to Montgomery where he attended Lanier High School. From there, he joined the 83rd Infantry Division of the US Army and served his country during WWII during the Battle of the Bulge and the Rhineland campaigns in Germany. He earned numerous medals including the Bronze Medal for Valor and the Purple Heart for severe wounds he received during battle.
Upon his medical discharge, Pete entered the University of Alabama where he met his wife. Jane Ellen Stopinski. He was a member of the Alpha Tau Omega fraternity. He graduated in 1950 with a Bachelor of Law degree.
Pete entered the business world and spent many years with the Chevrolet Motor Division of General Motors in Birmingham. He was very involved with both the First Baptist Church of Birmingham and later Brookwood Baptist Church in Mountain Brook. He served in many capacities such as Chairman of Deacons as well as teaching numerous Bible Study classes. He was a very devout Christian man who read his Bible every day.
Pete is predeceased by his parents, father J.B.Wilson and mother Louise S. Wilson; and brothers, J.B. Wilson Jr. and Robert (Bobby) C. Wilson. Survivors include Pete's loving wife of 67 years, Jane Stopinski Wilson of Decatur; daughters, Kathy Wilson Meriwether and Jan Wilson Dean (Sammy) of Decatur; son, Walter "Stuart" Wilson, Jr. (Elizabeth); six grandchildren, Emily Meriwether Horne, Sarah Kathleen Meriwether, Samuel Lynn Dean, Trent Wilson Dean, Andrew Stuart Wilson, and Mallory Elizabeth Wilson; and three great-grandchildren, Abigail Elizabeth Horne, Stephen Anthony Horne, and Hadley Grace Dean.
Pete was very dedicated to his family and most importantly, put them first in his life. Love and Caring were not just words to him. His family is a living testament of his actions of Love and Caring. He was very involved in their lives, attending many sporting events, recitals and family outings. The Love and Respect his family members hold for him in their hearts are infinite. He is, and will always be, incredibly missed by his family.
Pete will be honored by his friends and family this Sunday, March 23, 2014, at Ridout's Southern Heritage Funeral Home, 475 Cahaba Valley Road, Pelham, AL 35124. Visitation will begin there at 1:30 p.m. followed by a graveside service at 3 p.m.
In lieu of flowers, the family request donations be made to the Seniors Ministry at First Baptist Church of Decatur, 123 Church St NE, Decatur, AL 35601. Telephone (256) 350-9086. Or, give to the charity of your choice
Published in the Decatur Daily on Mar. 23, 2014.