James Roy Wilson, 100, of Owensboro, passed away on Sunday, October 21, 2018 at Signature Healthcare at Hillcrest. He was born on July 17, 1918 in McLean County, KY to the late Jesse Wilson and Etta Lou Jones Wilson. He was an U.S. Army veteran and served in the 101st Air Borne and survived the Invasion of France. Roy was a truck driver for Ashland Oil Company for more than 30 years and retired from Pargas. He received the Kentucky Colonel Honor, the highest honor awarded by the Commonwealth of Kentucky, and the Centenarian in recognition of 100 years of meaningful life. July 17, 2018 was declared “James Roy Wilson Day” by the Daviess County Judge/Executive office for being a defender of American lives, the land and freedom, and family values. Roy was of the Baptist faith and he loved UK basketball. He was greatly loved by all.
In addition to his parents, he was also preceded in death by his wife of 69 years, Pat York Wilson on September 6, 2016; brothers, Forrest Lee, Delbert, J.W., and Cecil; and a sister, Ruby Wilson Potts.
Survivors include his sisters, Cathryn Durbin of Owensboro and Thelma Thomas of Mitchell, Indiana; his caregivers; a nephew and his wife, Leroy and Linda Wilson; and several nieces and nephews.
Funeral services will be at 1 p.m. on Friday, October 26, 2018 in the chapel at James H. Davis Funeral Home. Burial will follow in Owensboro Memorial Gardens. Visitation is from 4 to 7 p.m. on Thursday and from 11 a.m. to 1 p.m. on Friday at the funeral home.