Clay Wilson

GLEASON Tenn. - Clay Richards ("Pop) Wilson was born in Jackson, Tennessee, on September 20, 1934, to Dorothy Richards Wilson and Frazier Evans Wilson, Sr.

Clay attended Jackson High School for one year, then attended and graduated from Webb School in Bell Buckle, Tennessee, in 1952. After high school, he enlisted in and served one year in the U.S. Navy. In 1960, Clay married Harriet Spellings of Bells, Tennessee. 

In 1962, Clay and Harriet moved to Gleason, Tennessee, and purchased Gleason Lumber Company. It was here that they would grow their business and their family. Clay led by example and taught his children the importance of working hard, providing good customer service, and serving others. Eventually, the family business would expand to include Carroll County Lumber in McKenzie, and CR Wilson Lumber in Dresden. There are currently fourth-generation family members working in the businesses.

Clay was a member of Gleason Methodist Church and throughout the years served there in many capacities. He also supported many other local churches during the years he was in business. He was a longtime member of the Weakley County Chamber of Commerce, where he served as a board member and also as president. Clay believed in giving back to the community and was a strong supporter of schools, not only in Gleason, but in other towns as well. 

With the family growing to include grandchildren and eventually great-grandchildren, Clay's handle became "Pop" and there was nothing Pop loved more than being surrounded by friends and family.

As one granddaughter put it, "people are Pop's love language." If you came to the lumber shed, Pop would probably offer to buy you a Coke or pour you a cup of coffee and invite you to sit and visit for a while. He might not know you when you came in, but by the time you left, he would know all about you. 

Mr. Wilson will have visitation Thursday, October 3rd from 4-8 p.m. at Gleason First U.M.C. It will resume Friday morning at 9a.m. and go untill his funeral service at 11 a.m.

Clay is survived by his wife of 64 years, Harriet Spellings Wilson, daughter, Jenny Wilson, sons Tom (Kim) Wilson, Andy (Jill) Wilson, Mike (Lori) Wilson, grandchildren Elizabeth (Cooper) Brannen, Thomas (Stephanie) Wilson, Molly Hannah Wilson, Frazier Wilson, Andrew Wilson, Richard Clay Wilson, Sophie Wilson, Routon Wilson, great-grandchildren Charlie, Wilson, and Reed Brannen and River, Emma, and Clay Wilson.  

He was preceded in death by his parents, and one brother, Frazier Evans Wilson Jr.