Billy “Ray” Wilson, 79, of Brasstown, went home to be with the Lord Thursday, Aug. 5, 2021.
Ray was born Dec. 6, 1941, on Harshaw Farm and was a lifelong resident of Cherokee County. He spent the majority of his life in Brasstown.
An ordained Baptist minister, Ray was a member of Pine Grove Baptist Church.
He was a man of many occupations ranging from logging to an electrician.
One of his most notable achievements was his music. Along with his brothers, Jerry and Henry, he began a well renowned gospel group known as The Wilson Brothers. They spent decades performing music and using their God-given talent to spread the gospel in churches and gatherings across the country. They were the recipients of many awards and their music has been acclaimed by many.
Like his father, it was the joy of his life serving the Lord and winning souls.
He was the son of the late Wade and Marie Elliott Wilson. He was also preceded in death by a brother, Jerry Wilson.
Surviving are his wife of 57 years, Darlene Wilson; five children, daughter Gail Chastain and husband Derwin, son Jimmy Wilson, son Allen Wilson and wife Sandra, and daughter Marie Campbell and husband Matt, all of Brasstown, and daughter Hope Dockery and husband Kenneth of Grape Creek; brother, Henry Wilson and wife Sue of Brasstown; sister Carrie Burke and husband Jerry of Canton; sister-in-law, Evelyn L. Wilson of Brasstown; 14 grandchildren and 11 great-grandchildren; and many nieces and nephews.
Funeral services will be held at 4 p.m. Sunday, Aug. 8, at New Martins Creek Baptist Church with the Rev. Paul Ray Morgan officiating. Music will be provided by The Wilson Family and Andrew Chastain. The interment will be in the church cemetery with Kenneth Dockery officiating. Pallbearers will be Daniel Wilson, Shannon Wilson, Joseph Chastain, Andrew Chastain, Matthew Dobbs and R.C. Beaver.
The family will receive friends from 2-3:45 p.m. Sunday, Aug. 8, at New Martins Creek Baptist Church prior to the services.
In lieu of flowers, the family requests memorials be made in memory of Billy “Ray” Wilson to Gideons International, P.O. Box 164, Murphy, NC 28906.
Ivie Funeral Home, Murphy, is in charge of all arrangements.
An online guest register is available at www.iviefuneralhome.com.