Obituary of Ernest Jeffery Wilson

Ernest Jeffery Wilson (May 28, 1957 - September 3, 2020) It is with great sadness that the family announces the passing of Ernest Jeffery “Jeff” Wilson at his home on Thursday, September 3rd at the age of 63. He will be remembered as a cherished husband, father, grandfather, son, brother, and uncle. He is survived by his loving family, including his wife Cindy (Fox) Wilson; father Ernie Wilson (Barbara) of Mooresville IN; children James Wilson (Keegan) of Camden, SC, Leah Wilson of Philadelphia, PA, and Hannah Wilson of Owensboro, KY; grandchildren Ryggs and Ryker Wilson of Camden, SC; and younger siblings Jenny Wilson of Lebanon, TN; Jill Hawkins (Bill) of Fairview, TX and Eddie Wilson (Kelly) of Birmingham, AL. Jeff adored his nieces and nephews; Ryan Flota (Michelle) of Murray, KY, Libby Hertzberg (George) of McKinney, TX, Blake Hawkins (Morgan) of Richardson, TX, Taylor Wilson of Rochester, NY, Tori Demerico (Alec) of Jacksonville, FL, Taryn Wilson of Birmingham, AL, Turner Wilson of Birmingham, AL, as well as his family from across Illinois, Indiana, Kentucky, and Florida. Jeff was very fond of the Hayes family of Mount Vernon, IL. He was preceded in death by his mother, Joann (Huber) Hayes. Jeff was lovingly welcomed into Cindy’s large Fox family. Her four children and twelve grandchildren will miss his big hugs, humor, and advice. He is also survived by James’ mother, Debbie Terry of Mount Vernon, IL and by Leah & Hannah’s mother, Jean Wilson of Owensboro, KY. Jeff was born on May 28th, 1957 in Indianapolis, Indiana. Raised in southern Indiana and then southern Illinois, he was a true Midwesterner at heart. He loved fishing and shooting, though his children are better shots than he was. He could always be counted on for a ride in the boat to spend time on the water. His passion for trying new foods could only be matched by his love of grilling and feeding his friends and family. Many will attest to his lifelong love of basketball, particularly his avid dedication to the Kentucky Cats, thus earning his nickname of Grandpa Wildcat. While on the phone with his son, James, and his best basketball buddies, he cheered on his team with terrifying enthusiasm. Of his greatest achievements are his years of service in the municipal governments of Streator, Illinois; Lexington, Kentucky; and Cincinnati, Ohio, where he finished his career as a strong, affable leader of many from all walks of life. He particularly enjoyed wrangling with the Union lawyers and representatives. But perhaps what will truly live on in the memories of the people whose lives he touched is his larger-than-life charisma, his love for friends and family, and his ability to turn around any situation for the better. He was not only the life of the party, but also a notoriously groan-inducing comic, an enthusiastic storyteller, and a stranger to no one. He was generous with his time, supportive with his words, and strong enough to support anyone who needed a hand. He will forever be remembered as a caring friend, loving family man, and dedicated community servant. Jeff served as an active elder at Madeira Silverwood Presbeterian Church and was a member of Elks Lodge #819 for 36 years. The family would like to invite friends to attend the visitation on Thursday, September 10th from 5:00-7:00 PM at Madeira-Silverwood Presbyterian Church, where Jeff served as an elder, 8000 Miami Rd. (45243). The funeral service will be held on Friday, September 11th at the church at 10:00 AM, with Pastor Tom Sweets officiating. A graveside service will be held at Memorial Gardens Cemetery in Mount Vernon, IL on Saturday, September 12th at 1:00 PM, where Jeff will be buried next to his beloved mother, Mary Joann Huber. Donations in Mr. Wilson’s memory may be directed to the Madeira Silverwood Presbeterian Church, 8000 Miami Ave. Cincinnati, OH 45243 (mspc@madeirachurch.org Phone: 513-791-4470) or the Mount Vernon Elks Lodge #819 (elks819@gmail.com Phone: 618-244-4885)