David Wilson, Jr.

On Friday morning, February 24, 2023, surrounded by his loving family, David Wilson, Jr. quietly entered into eternal rest after a valiant battle with cancer.

He was born in Nansemond County, Suffolk, VA, on March 9, 1953 and was the second of eight children born to the late David Wilson, Sr. and Mary Wilson. He was preceded in death by his father David Wilson, Sr. (2012) and his youngest brother, Vincent Kent Wilson (2019).

In his early years, David, Jr. attended Little Bethel Baptist Church, Suffolk, VA., where he was baptized and became a member of the youth choir. David, Jr’s persona was one of a warrior and he was blessed with vigor, craftsmanship and athletic abilities. While attending John Yeates High School in Suffolk, VA, he was instrumental in leading the 1971 Football Team to a title win as Peanut District Champions and they placed 3rd in the State. He was influential in initiating a winning baseball team called “The Chuckatuck Trotters.” As a track star, he ran the 4 x 100 relay and the 100-yard dash where he broke a John Yeates school record. Following his 1972 high school graduation, he enlisted in the United States Navy (1975) and was identified as a leader in Boot Camp. When asked about his education by his military leaders and peers, he jokingly stated that he graduated from David Wilson University.

David, Jr. proudly served our country and was honorably discharged after serving two years of active duty and four years of active reserve. He later attended Tidewater Community College in Portsmouth, VA. Because of his solid foundation, he embraced the legacy of a strong work ethic, a competitive spirit and an unfaltering determination to succeed in life without complaints. His dad, David, Sr., masterfully taught him how to become a skilled Brick Mason; thus David, Jr. pursued an entrepreneurial endeavor, leaving his footprint on a multitude of edifices throughout Hampton Roads. David, Jr. touched the hearts of many with his comedic talent as he made you laugh. He was a prolific storyteller and the family historian. David, Jr. had a spirit of helping others; but above all else, he really loved his Mother and his family.

He leaves behind a proud legacy to cherish his memory: wife, Loretta Wilkins; beloved mother, Mary Wilson; sons, Dane Antonio Tynes of Las Vegas, NV and Christopher Demond Wilkins of Suffolk, VA; two devoted brothers, Michael Wilson (Jackie) of Windsor, VA and Ronnie Wilson of Suffolk, VA; five loving sisters, Iris Phyllis Artis of Hampton, VA; Sylvia Lennell-Williams (Ray) of Farmington Hills, MI; Lynette Wilson of Chesapeake, VA; Marilyn Lorine Wilson (Joe) of Upper Marlboro, MD; Renee Washington (Jeff) of Richmond, VA; and a host of others, including one uncle; several aunts, nephews, nieces, cousins; and numerous friends. The family recognizes that “… we lost a giant, but we gained an Ancestor.”

 A Celebration of Life Service will be held 12pm Saturday, March 04, 2023 at Union Baptist Missionary Church, 5414 Nansemond Pkwy, Suffolk. Viewing will take place from 3-6pm on Friday, March 03, 2023 at the Chapel.

Please keep the Wilson family in your prayers.