Individual Details

Ronald Wilson (Ron) passed away Tuesday, January 23, 2018 at Novant Presbyterian Main with his wife Marjorie Hook Wilson (Marge) by his side. Ron was born in Larned KS on April 29, 1932 the son of Irvine Wilson and Celestine Shealey Wilson. He will be remembered dearly for his sense of humor and wit. That was the Ron we knew and loved. He attended High School at South High in Denver, CO and West Lafayette, IN. Ron attended Purdue University and graduated in 1954 with a BS in Electrical Engineering. Ron then began his 38 year career with Allen-Bradley Company in Milwaukee, WI. After completing their training program he was assigned to the Syracuse, NY office. Six years later he relocated with family to Denver, CO, then to Cleveland, OH and finally in 1976 was assigned to the Allen-Bradley office in Charlotte, NC as District Manager. The Allen-Bradley Company was a leader in Factory Automation and Ron and his men were instrumental in the building of the Michelin Tire Plant and the BMW facility.
Ron and Marge chose to live in SC—Lake Wylie, Sun City and finally Rock Hill. Ron retired in 1992 and became involved in many interests. He played lots of golf at River Hills Country Club but his greatest passion became a “second career”. That was his work with the Election Commission and the Republican Party—it is said that he brought the Republican Party to York County. Later he was instrumental with merging the two boards of Registration and Elections into one. He was then given a Gubernatorial appointment by Governor Carroll Campbell to be the Chairman of that combined Board of Registration and Elections. He held that position for 14 years. York County had many growing pains in those years, opened many new precincts and somehow weathered them all—including a write-in vote for Sheriff that took until 5:00 AM to complete the count. During those years he and Marge had many fond memories. Especially attending the Republican National Convention in Dallas in 1984. Ron was a delegate and made more memories when they attended the Inaugural of Ronald Raegan in January, 1985. Ron was a true Patriot, deeply loved his country and cherished Freedom. As his health declined he spent his days watching CSPAN and Fox News and recognized and new the names of all the Senators and nearly all the House Members. The night he was taken to the hospital he had been reading “The Constitution of the United States”.
He had also volunteered with Habitat for Humanity in York County and became the Treasurer of that organization as well as the “official painter” of the new homes. Painting was a passion, not only painting every home the family ever lived in he offered his expertise to paint for his church and many friends!
Ron lived his life as a “free spirit”! He loved to drive everywhere. He lived in Arizona for the last 3 years “because I always wanted to live in the desert” during which time he drove seven round trips from SC to Phoenix and back for holidays with the family. He also drove with his sister from Phoenix to Wasilla, AK at age 84.
Ron met Marjorie Hook (Marge) “on a mountain in Colorado” and they recently celebrated their 64th wedding anniversary. Ron enjoyed good times with the family and lots of golf rounds with Marge.
Ron was predeceased by his parents and son Scott Wilson. He is survived by his wife Marge, daughters Cynthia Ann Wilson Hallum (David) of Wasilla, AK, Melinda Gail Wilson O’Donnell of Kennesaw, GA, and daughter-in-law Anne Marjo Wilson of Charlotte, NC. Sisters Gaylia Ostrander of Denver, CO and Donna Quinn of Sun Lakes, AZ. Brother-in-law Bob Hook (Kathleen) of Fairbanks, AK. Grandsons Bernard Roselle (Jessica), Sean O’Donnell (Kara) and Brian O’Donnell. Granddaughters Cameron Young, and Ansley Wilson along with seven Great-Granddaughters and many nieces and nephews.
A Celebration of Ron’s life as a Patriot will be held Saturday, February 10 at 2:00 PM in the afternoon at “The Journey at Lake Wylie” in Lake Wylie SC. In lieu of flowers Ron’s family requests donations to: American Heart Association, 128 S Tryon, Charlotte, NC 28202.

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Birth	29 Apr 1932	Larned, Pawnee County, Kansas
Census (family)-shared	23 Apr 1940	(Irvine Floyd Wilson and Clara Celestine Shealey) Hays, Ellis County, Kansas
Marriage	30 Dec 1953	Living
Death	23 Jan 2018	Charlotte, Mecklenburg County, North Carolina

Spouse	Living
Child	Living
Child	Living
Child	Scott Curtis Wilson (1958 - )

Father	Irvine Floyd Wilson (1904 - 1992)
Mother	Clara Celestine Shealey (1906 - 1990)
Sibling	Gaylia Nadine Wilson (1930 - )
Sibling	Donna Jean Wilson (1935 - )

Notes