Steven Bryan Wilson

Life is much like a camping adventure--it has a beginning and an ending. On the morning of September 13, 1966 Steven Bryan Wilson began his adventure in life’s great park. He was the son of Nancy Grady Wilson and the late Snodie Bond Wilson. His early years were spent with the usual childhood activities. Always a lover of God’s great creation, he enjoyed the great outdoors, and spent much time on his grandparents’ farm. He loved playing in the dirt and mischievously sprinkling sand on other children. He acquired the ability to imitate many birds and animals on the farm, often surprising others with his shocking imitations.  

As the years passed swiftly by, Steven’s love of camping and outdoors took root in his Boy Scout training. As a Boy Scout he attained the ultimate status of Eagle Scout. In middle school, Steven began taking band and continued his musical training on the flute throughout James Kenan High School. He went on to attend Chowan College,  James Sprunt Community College, and ultimately graduated from Mt. Olive College.

Prior to graduation from Mt. Olive, Steven held jobs as a Witch Weed Hunter and seasonal work at the Cliffs of the Neuse State Park. His work at the Cliffs inspired him to pursue a degree in Parks and Recreation. After graduation, his first full time job was as a Park Ranger at  Falls Lake State Park. After commuting a few years from Duplin County to Wake County, Steven landed the job of  Park Superintendent at the new Cabin Lake County Park in Duplin County. Steven proudly served in this position for 20 years. He felt a real sense of accomplishment upon completion of Basic Law Enforcement Training, a part of his job as Superintendent. 

Through one of his earlier jobs, Steven acquired a special friend who ultimately introduced him to the love of his life, Lisa Wells. This union produced two daughters--Emily Grace and Olivia Faith. His family was the center of his life. He didn’t mind bragging about his daughter’s accomplishments and his wife’s creativity. He loved the vacations to Disney, the mountains, and the beach--he always spoke of these times with such enthusiasm. Another highlight of his life was attending NCSU football and basketball games. These were always treasured family events.

Teachey Baptist Church played a prominent role in Steven’s life, too.  He loved his church family, being part of the choir, and serving as a deacon. His Sunday School class was always very special to him. 

Steven was a lover of good food. He loved family reunions, homecomings, and other social gatherings revolving around food. Often, during his lunch hour he would visit his Mom and offer great recommendations when she was trying out new recipes. He was her favorite taste tester!  

Steven was not infatuated by worldly positions. He walked a simple path through life (with the exception of a few knife collections and walking sticks). He had a heart for helping those less fortunate and would often give generously, but quietly. Working at Wilson’s Tree Farm during the Christmas season gave him a sense of fulfillment because he was able to be outside and could sit around the woodstove and socialize. 

Life seems a lot like a day in the park. A location is chosen. The campsite is set up. The adventure is enjoyed. The time passes swiftly and it’s time to pack up and go home. Steven departed his earthly campsite on the morning of June 28, 2019 at MD Anderson Cancer Center in Houston, Texas. He moved on to the eternal park.

He was preceded in death by an infant daughter--Olivia Faith Wilson; an infant sister; maternal grandparents--Needham B. and Henrietta S. Grady; paternal grandparents--Willie C. and Bertha H. Wilson; and brother-in-law--Henry Lee Wells.

Left to cherish his memory are his wife and daughter--Lisa Wells Wilson and Emily Grace Wilson of Teachey; mother--Nancy Grady Wilson of Kenansville; sister--Carolyn Wilson of Chapel Hill; brother--Gerald B. Wilson and wife Sarah H. Wilson of Kenansville; nieces and nephews--Andrew B. Wilson and Katherine E. Wilson of Kenansville, Patrick Davis and wife JoAnna of Wilmington, Justin Davis and wife Jacqueline of Durham, and Kiley Wells of Wallace; great niece--Aubrey Davis of Wilmington; sister-in-law--Debbie Davis and husband Dennis of Delway; brother-in-law--Johnny Wells and wife Miranda of Wallace; and many special aunts and uncles.

Visitation will be held at  Teachey Baptist Church on Tuesday  from 7:00-9:00 pm.  A service to honor Steven’s life will be held on Wednesday, July 3, 2019 at 2:00 p.m. in the church.  Interment will follow the service in the Knowles Family Cemetery in Rose Hill.  Flowers are welcomed or consideration may be given to a contribution to the Teachey Baptist Church.  Padgett Funeral & Cremation Services is proudly serving the Wilson family. 

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