Walter B "Crow" Wilson, 84, passed away peacefully on Sunday, October 26, 2014 at home surrounded by loved ones, after a hard fought battle with cancer. Born August 16, 1930 in Rutherford County, North Carolina, to Vernie Wilson Edwards and Walter B. Wilson, Sr., he graduated from Rutherfordton-Spindale High School in 1949. He then served his country in the Air Force for four years as a Radar Operator. After completing his service, he became a successful and influential business entrepreneur as a brick contractor, bondsman, car dealer, and real estate investor. Crow was a private man when it came to his humanitarianism. He focused his attentions to the underprivileged, supporting numerous families unable to thrive, Boys Town, several Children's Hospitals, the SPCA, and many others. He was also an avid baseball and college basketball fan, in particular UNC-Chapel Hill. He took advantage of every opportunity, including traveling to watch not only a family member play but also friends' children. He leaves to cherish his memory wife Patricia Wilson, daughters Patricia Johnson and Nancy Edwards, sons Michael Wilson, Kenneth Wilson (Tammy), Daniel Wilson (Claire), and Joshua Wilson all of Hampton, sister Jane Wilson (Winfred) of Rutherfordton, NC, brother Rudolf Edwards of Durham, NC, 12 grandchildren, and 11 great grandchildren. He also leaves his life-long best friends, business partner Max Andrucci and his wife Sharon, dear friends Jack Linkous and Terry Mason, as well as his beloved canine buddy, Toby. He was preceded in death by his parents and brother William (Bill) Wilson. Services to celebrate his life will be held at 1:00 PM, Saturday, November 1st at R. Hayden Smith, 245 S. Armistead Ave, Hampton, VA. The family will receive friends prior to the service from 12 noon to 1pm. A reception at Jack's Family Restaurant, 1405 E. Pembroke Ave., Hampton, VA, will be held after the service. The family would like to extend their gratitude to the Sentara Hospice staff, especially nurse Sherry and nurse's aid Joyce, for their kindness and support. Also, a very special thank you to Kim McQuillen, whose selfless giving of her time, love, and support were invaluable. The family requests memorial contributions in liue of flowers can be made to the American Cancer Society.
