Leon Wilson

Mr. Jesse "Leon" Wilson, 81, of Dalton, Georgia, passed away peacefully at home surrounded by his family on May 17, 2024 from colon cancer.

Leon was born on May 29, 1942, in Trion, Georgia to Arthur and Lillie Wilson. His family moved from Lafayette to Dalton in 1959. He met his future wife, Sherron Smith, at North Whitfield High School and their families attended church together at Good Hope Baptist Church. Leon graduated from North Whitfield High School in 1961, where he was voted "Most Witty" by his senior class. He married his sweetheart Sherron in 1962. They were blessed with two daughters and sons-in-law, and three grandchildren. Leon and Sherron were married 47 years until her passing in 2009. Leon put his family first and was a dedicated husband, father and grandfather. He was an especially proud grandfather and would often boast that he was blessed to live long enough to watch all three of his grandchildren walk across the stage at their college graduation and to start their professional careers.

From 1964 to 1969, Leon worked as a civilian at the Volunteer Army Ammunition Plant, operated by the U.S. Department of Defense, in Chattanooga, TN. The rest of his working years were spent as a welder, pipefitter, and job foremen. He finished his career as a metal shop manager. Leon was a member of the Varnell Ruritan Club and the Dalton Street Machines Car Club. He could often be seen driving around town in his red '38 Ford Sedan. In his leisure time, Leon enjoyed camping and traveling with his family, especially to historic cities and national parks, but there was nothing he enjoyed more than a trip to the beach.

Leon was preceded in death by his parents, Arthur and Lillie Wilson; his wife, Sherron Wilson; brothers-in-law, Jimmy Brindle, Lynn Souther & Dewayne Smith; sisters-in-law, Glenda Painter, Janice Smith; and niece Sheila Souther. Leon leaves behind two daughters and sons-in-law, Tammy and Eddie Brown & Sonya and John Gulledge; 3 grandchildren, Chris Brown and fiancé Pricilla Martin, Meg Gulledge & Abbie Gulledge; sister Juanita Brindle; sisters-in-law Annette Souther, Donna and Larry Stevens, & Judy and Ralph Weaver; brothers-in-law Ronald Painter, Larry Smith & Ricky Smith; nieces and nephews.

A private family graveside service to celebrate the life of Mr. Leon Wilson will be held at Good Hope Baptist Church Cemetery with Pastor Dale Kidd officiating. The family wishes to thank the Hamilton Hospice nurses and staff for the excellent care that they provided.

You are encouraged to share a memory of Leon and/or your personal condolences with his family by visiting his memorial webpage and guestbook at www.companionfunerals.com. Companion Funeral Home of Cleveland is honored to assist his family with these arrangements.