Joseph R. Wilson

“I have fought the good fight, I have finished the race, I have kept the faith”

II Timothy 4:7

SGT Joseph Russell Wilson was born on February 26, 1960, in Florence, South Carolina, to the late Alice Wilson-Canteen and Joseph Russell Jones, Jr. He was the second of Alice’s and Joseph’s beloved children and a proud member of a close knit family rooted in faith, service, and love.

Joseph graduated from West Florence High School and soon after answered the call to serve his country. He enlisted in the United States Army Reserve, where he served honorably for 18 years, dedicating himself with loyalty, discipline, and pride.

During his military career, SGT Wilson served in the 86th Medical Detachment (DS) as a 35G10 Biomedical Equipment Repairman. He was deployed to the Federal Republic of Germany in 1991 for Operation Certain Shield 91, providing critical support with dedication and skill. He was a graduate of the Army’s Leadership Development Course in 1988 and served as a Biomedical Equipment Specialist in Aurora, Colorado.

SGT Wilson was recognized as an Outstanding Soldier for his unwavering dedication and commitment to excellence. He proudly earned the Expert Badge with Rifle Bar (M-16), a testament to his discipline and precision as a soldier.

Joseph had a great passion for using his hands. He was a natural-born fixer—skilled in building, electrical work, and all kinds of home repairs. If something was broken, Joseph could make it right. His talent for working with his hands was matched by a deep desire to help others. He spent many years as a medical transporter, assisting sick patients with care and compassion. His sense of duty to care for those in need—a passion he nurtured during his military service-was evident in every act of service he gave.

Known for his happy, jolly spirit and his generous heart, he brought laughter and warmth into every room he entered, often seen proudly wearing his New York Giants football, New York Mets and New York Knicks jersey and cap– forever a devoted fan of his favorite team.

Joseph was a vibrant and free-spirited soul, known for is unwavering strength, bold honesty, and a personality as big as his heart. He spoke his mind without hesitation ad lived life on his own terms, bringing laughter, truth, and a unique spark wherever he went.

Sgt. Wilson transitioned to eternal rest on Thursday, May 22, 2025.

He was preceded in death by his grandparents, Carrie Lee Faison Wilson and Jesse Wilson (Toy Wilson), Thelma Robinson Jones and Joseph R. Jones, Sr.; his parents, Alice Wilson-Canteen and Joseph R. Jones, Jr.; and beloved brothers, Roscoe Wilson, and Ernest Dwayne Jones and a number of Aunts and Uncles.

He leaves behind a legacy of love and cherished memories with his surviving siblings: Deborah Yvonne Wilson, Deloise Wilson-Gerard, Dortha Sipp, Rahman Wali, Betty Wilson, Peggy Alexander, James Canteen, Jr., Donald Canteen, Regina Jones, and Daniel Shalom, and one uncle and a host of aunts, nephews, cousins, and dear friends who will forever remember his laughter, loyalty, and unwavering love.

SGT Joseph R. Wilson’s life was a testament to service, strength, and the enduring bonds of family. His memory will live on in the hearts of those who knew and loved him. He will be deeply missed, yet forever celebrated.

Please keep the family of Joseph Russell Wilson in your thoughts and prayers.