Reverend Nathaniel Wilson, Jr., devoted husband, loving father and grandfather, faithful pastor, and dedicated servant of God, peacefully entered into eternal rest after a life marked by unwavering faith and compassionate service. He was born on September 15, 1950, in Tuskegee, Alabama, to the late Nathaniel Wilson, Sr. and Ella Wilson. Besides his parents, he was preceded in death by his brother, Martin; and brother in-law, Richard.

As the son of a military family, Rev. Wilson spent much of his childhood traveling throughout the United States and abroad. These experiences helped cultivate his appreciation for people from all walks of life and laid the foundation for a lifetime of ministry and service.

Believing that education was essential to effective leadership, Rev. Wilson pursued higher learning with diligence. He earned an Associate of Arts degree in Pre-Law from Trinidad State Junior College and a Bachelor of Arts degree in Sociology from the University of Colorado at Colorado Springs. He also completed graduate studies toward a master's degree at the University of Denver and Tusculum College. Committed to growing in his calling, he later received a Certificate in Pastoral Care from the Knoxville Interdenominational Bible Institute.

At an early age, Rev. Wilson accepted Jesus Christ as his personal Lord and Savior, affectionately referring to his salvation experience as earning his "B.A.C." degree—"Born Again Christian." His faith in Christ remained the guiding force of his life and ministry.

Rev. Wilson worked for many years as a dedicated supervisor for approximately 30 plus years for Traveler’s Insurance Company. For more than thirty-eight years, Rev. Wilson faithfully proclaimed the Gospel of Jesus Christ. He preached his initial sermon at Martha Davis Baptist Church on April 10, 1994, and was called to serve as pastor on September 4, 1994. During his twenty-eight years of faithful pastoral leadership, he preached the uncompromised Word of God, shepherded the congregation with wisdom and humility, and encouraged countless individuals to develop a closer relationship with Christ.

His ministry reached far beyond the walls of the local church. Rev. Wilson faithfully served the Bethel District Missionary and Educational Association as Statistician, Associate Dean, and Region I Vice President of the Stokley-Birchette-Mills Leadership Training Congress. He also served with distinction as Regional Vice Moderator for the Bethel District, providing faithful leadership and support to churches

throughout the district.

A servant at heart, Rev. Wilson believed that ministry was demonstrated through acts of love and compassion. Each year, alongside the members of Martha Davis Baptist Church, he prepared and served hot meals to volunteers participating in Appalachian Outreach, extending Christian hospitality to those who had traveled from across the country to minister in the community.

Rev. Wilson was an avid reader who possessed a genuine love for history and lifelong learning. One of his greatest joys was teaching God's Word during his Tuesday afternoon Bible Study, where he challenged believers to grow spiritually through sound biblical instruction and practical Christian living.

Those who knew Rev. Wilson often heard him say that "the greatest privilege in life is serving God by serving humanity." This conviction was reflected in every aspect of his life. Whether preaching from the pulpit, counseling those in need, mentoring young ministers, or quietly serving others, he faithfully exemplified the love of Christ.

Rev. Wilson leaves to cherish his precious memory his devoted wife, Yvonne Elaine Brown Wilson, whom he met over 40 years ago while he was Choir President in Denver, CO; two loving sons, Phillip (Margarthe) Wilson and Kevin (Sarah) Wilson; one cherished granddaughter, Marion; devoted mother in-law, Dorothy Brown; sister in-laws, Gwendolyn (Rodney) Whetstone, Valencia Brown, Kirktenia Brown, and Nancy Wilson; aunt, Beverly; nephews Garrett Wilson, Richard Brown, III, Bernard McClary, Marcus McClary, and Michael Bryan; nieces, Rachele Wilson, Christina Mitchell, Jessica Brown and Christine MCcuin; and a host of extended family members, church family, ministerial colleagues, dear friends, and countless individuals whose lives were forever enriched by his faithful ministry and Christian example.

Although his earthly journey has ended, his legacy of faith, integrity, compassion, and devoted service to God will continue to live on in the hearts of all who were blessed to know him. His life was a testimony to the words of our Lord: "Well done, thou good and faithful servant... enter thou into the joy of thy Lord." (Matthew 25:23)