Walter H. Wilson

“Heaven Must Have Been Missing An Angel” On Saturday, March 26, 2022, our beloved husband, father, brother, grandfather, uncle, cousin and friend, Walter H. Wilson, affectionately known as “Sonny,” peacefully and quietly departed this earthly life at Sentara Obici Hospital in Suffolk, VA. “Sonny” was born on May 31, 1936 in Rushmere, VA to the late Norvel E. Wilson, Sr. and Florine Hardy Wilson. “Sonny” received his formal education at the Isle of Wight County Training School in Smithfield, VA. He was a member and Vice-President of the graduating Class of 1954. Shortly after graduating from high school, “Sonny” joined the United States Air Force in April 1956 where he served honorably for four years as a Fire Control Systems Mechanic. After leaving the military, he worked various jobs as a brick mason, auto mechanic, and a longshoreman, trained in Air Conditioning systems, which eventually led to a position at Gwaltney of Smithfield’s Transportation Department as a refrigeration mechanic and later transitioning into an “Over the Road” truck driver. “Sonny” retired from Gwaltney of Smithfield in May 2001 after over 30 years of service. On September 25, 1965, “Sonny” married the love of his life, the former Curtiss Langhorne, and to this union, a son, Rodney, was born. “Sonny” accepted Christ at an early age and was baptized at the First Gravel Hill Baptist in Rushmere, VA under the leadership of Reverend J. Dett Marshburn. He was a faithful, dedicated member of First Gravel Hill where he served as a Trustee and member of the church’s Cemetery Committee. He was also a faithful, dedicated member and Superintendent of the Fair Oaks Sunday School in Rushmere, VA. His faithfulness, dedication, and “quiet demeanor” will truly be missed by all who knew and loved him. “Sonny” was preceded in death by his loving parents, Norvel E. Wilson, Sr. and Florine Hardy Wilson; siblings and their spouses, Novel Wilson, Jr. (Harriett), Helen W. Torian (George), and Thomas Wilson (Gladys); a daughter, Michelle Wilson (from a previous marriage); and a nephew, Glen Wilson. He leaves to cherish his precious memories, a loving and devoted wife of 57 years, Curtiss L. Wilson of Smithfield, VA; a son, Rodney D. Wilson (Blesilda) of Augusta, GA; a brother, Daniel R. Wilson (Carmen) of Smithfield, VA; five grandchildren, Cynise “Davette” Wilson, Rémy Wilson, Kinsley Fernandez, Benjamin “Tra” Barrett, III, and Christopher Wilson; two great-grandchildren, Nasir Wilson-Jones and Kamri Barrett; a sister-in-law, Bernice White; and a host of other loving nieces, nephews, cousins, and friends. A Celebration of Life Service will be held 12:00pm on Friday, April 01, 2022 at First Gravel Hill Baptist Church. Viewing will take place on Thursday, March 31, 2022 from 4-6pm at the chapel and one hour prior to the service at the Church. Please Keep the Wilson family in your prayers. View Memorial Video