UNDATED — Willie Doyle Wilson, lovingly known as “Papa Willie,” passed away July 19, 2025 at Memorial Satilla Health in Waycross at the age of 80.
Wilson lived a life of full simple joys and meaningful connections. He found his greatest happiness on the water, shrimping and fishing, or with his hands in the dirt, growing vegetables in his garden.
More than anything, he was “Papa” to every single child who came through his door, and his gentle embrace was a comfort to all.
Wilson took immense pride in being a father figure and a guiding light in the life of his great grandson, Maesan Asbell, who he raised and loved as his own.
Wilson
Wilson was preceded in death by his mother, Lougene Justice Wilson; his father, George Benjamin Wilson; brother, Harry Wilson; sisters, Lois Crews (Alvin), Mildred Parker and Melva J. Mauney (Edward); stepbrother, Junior Wilson; brother-in-law, Wayne McLeod; and his best friend, the mother of his children, Carolyn Baxley.
Wilson is survived by his daughters, Tracy Wilson (Jeffrey Chockly), Angie Wilson, Dana Wilson and Tammy Hamlet (George Johns); sisters, Ruby Cribbs (Bruce), Vila Van Derae and Virginia Ruth McLeod; brothers, George Ander Wilson (Linda) and Glynn Afton Wilson (Debbie); nephews, Benji Embery (Misty) and Bubba Wilson, who was very special to him; nine grandchildren, Ciera Wilson (Kinley), Tyler Asbell (Ann), Ashley Asbell (John), Kalenna Wilson, Jessica Johns, Clint Johns, Jason Johns, Niki Wilson and Ryan Miller; great-grandchildren, Maesan, Brysan, Paxtan, Tucker, Milley, Kyzer, Landyn, Maebree, Ayden, Issabella, Rahtaya, Roman, Neveah, Emmanuel, Cheyenne and Elizabeth; as well as many more nieces, nephews, and great-grandchildren.
Wilson’s love for his family was evident in everything he did. He will be deeply missed by his children, grandchildren, and all who knew him.
A Celebration of Life was held in his honor Tuesday, July 22nd, at the Hoboken Community Center.
Brunswick Memorial Park Funeral Home was honored to have assisted the Wilson family.
