Thomas Graydon Wilson

Thomas "Tom" Graydon Wilson of Johns Island, SC, passed away peacefully at home on Saturday, October 20, 2012, in the place he loved most, surrounded by the people he loved most dearly. Graydon succumbed to renal cell carcinoma, at age 76, after a long, hard, 4 year fight.

Our father, Thomas Graydon Wilson, was born April 21, 1936 in Stapleton, Georgia to Walter Lee and Ruth Phillips Wilson. The oldest of three, he was soon joined by brothers, Allen "Bubba" and Jerry, and thus began his journey throughout the coastal areas of Georgia, Florida and South Carolina. The many places he lived helped to create his lifelong passion for the lowcountry and all things green, brown and swampy. Dad never met a marsh, pond or plant he didn't like and the feeling was mutual.

In 1955, while working at Charleston Manufacturing, he met the one true love of his life, Abbie Lee Feagin, of Cades, SC. Dad traced blueprints for dresses, Mom cut them out and together they made quite an outfit. They married three years later on January 27, 1958 in St. James Methodist Church, Charleston. In June of that year, Dad joined the U.S. Marine Corps, Mom says one had nothing to do with the other. Dad served his country for over 6 years and earned awards in leadership, draftsmanship and marksmanship. It seems ships were his destiny.

Graydon and Abbie had two daughters, Sherri Belinda and Susan Marie. Quiet, intelligent and exceptionally graceful, they exceeded all expectations and still do. For most of his life, Graydon worked as a draftsman with the U.S. Navy SUPSHIPS Division, first at Charleston Naval Shipyard and then Jacksonville Naval Shipyard, working at national and international ports. He loved this work; here he met and made friends that would last his lifetime. In 1990, he retired from SUPSHIPS Jax and he and Mom moved back to Johns Island to build their dream home.

Dad traveled the world but his favorite view was from his own back porch. Unyielding to time, but respectful of taxes, Dad took one last job - this one part time with Kiawah Island Resort. He drove the client transportation van back and forth from the airport to downtown hotspots, meeting a wide variety of folks coming and going from a wide variety of places.

When you live to be 76, you get to be many things and that was the case with our Dad. He was an amazing son, brother, husband, father, friend, brother-in-law, uncle, neighbor, and finally, grandfather. His one and only grandchild, Nolan Wilson Evans was born February 2000 and was the absolute light of his life. Nolan will always remember Papa as funny, smart, and winner of "Best Beard Ever".

Dad was an avid fan of the Gamecocks, Jaguars, Weather Channel, plaid shirts, Golden Corral, Public Library system and our mother. He liked to draw, build, dig, plant, wire, hammer, break and then fix just about anything. He was kind, generous, hard working and loyal beyond description. He will be missed by anyone lucky enough to have met him. He was the strong back and loving heart of our family.

Graydon is survived by his wife, Abbie, of Johns Island; his two daughters, Sherri Wilson of Charleston and Susan Evans (Tucker) of Jacksonville, FL; grandson, Nolan, of Jacksonville, FL; two brothers, Allen Wilson (Peggy) of Johns Island and Jerry Wilson (Anne) of Summerville; and hundreds of extended family members and friends.

The Gathering of Family and Friends celebrating his wonderful life will be held Saturday, October 27, 2012, in J. HENRY STUHR, INC., WEST ASHLEY CHAPEL, 3360 Glenn McConnell Pkwy., between 3:00 and 5:00 p.m. A small reception will be held at the Wilson home afterwards.

The family would like to express special thanks to Hospice of Charleston. In lieu of flowers, please consider a donation in his memory to the Hollings Cancer Center, 86 Jonathan Lucas Street, Charleston, SC 29425.