Harold Neal Wilson
Harold Neal Wilson, passed away on March 8, 2024, at the age of 93, at SOVAH Hospital in Danville. He was a member of Shermont Baptist Church in Danville. He was predeceased by his parents, his older brother, Seward Johnson Wilson, Jr. and his wife, Frances Wilkinson Wilson. He was born in Danville, on December 28, 1930 to the late Seward Johnson Wilson and Minnie Carter Wilson.
In 1949, he graduated from George Washington High School in Danville. Four years later, he was awarded a Bachelors in Business Administration Degree from Wake Forest College in Wake Forest, NC. For the next three years, he traveled coast-to-coast as a sales representative for National Linen Service. After returning to Danville, he joined his father's business Danville Dental Laboratory, serving as vice president of the firm until 1967. During part of this time, he also owned and operated a driver training school. In 1967, he joined Goodyear's local plant as its first public relations manager, a position he held for 23 years before moving to the training department. While manager of public relations, he was instrumental in the plant receiving many Keep Virginia Beautiful and Keep America Beautiful awards. He also created and authored the plant's newsletter entitled the Wingfoot Clan featuring pictures and events at Goodyear. He owned a private photography business, taking many professional bridal portraits and wedding pictures around Danville. He retired from Goodyear in 1996. After retiring, he continued to work for Goodyear as a human relations contractor for short stints in several cities across the United States. In civic activities, he was a member of the Danville Jaycees, a Junior Deacon of First Baptist Church of Danville, Scoutmaster of Troop 354, and Cub Scout Master at Christ the King Lutheran Church. He also served as PTO President of Mount Hermon Elementary School from 1980-81. He was a 60-year veteran of Roman Eagle Masonic Lodge No. 122 and a 50 plus year veteran of the Danville Scottish Rite Bodies. He was awarded the 33rd Degree of the Ancient and Accepted Rite of Free Masonry in 2005.
On June 10, 1961, he married Frances Elizabeth Wilkinson in First Baptist Church of Danville. The couple celebrated 61 wonderful years of marriage. During the 61 years of marriage, the couple raised two children, Andrew Carter Wilson and Elizabeth Wilson Cassell. He was a loving and deeply devoted husband and father. He enjoyed photography, art, music, and living life to the fullest. He shared his love for the Lord and all people by always being ready, willing, and able to help others. He was a true blessing to all of the members of his family.
He is survived by his daughter, Elizabeth Cassell and her husband, Keith of Danville, a son, Andrew Carter Wilson, and Tricia Wilson and their daughter, Carter Leigh Wilson of Axton, a nephew, S.J. Wilson III and wife, Iris of Jacksonville, NC, a niece, Marguerite Burlage of Danville. Also, surviving is his sister-in-law, Frances Wilkinson of Chase City, VA, a special cousin, Dr. Mary Elinor Jones of Durham, NC, and several other nieces and nephews in Virginia and North Carolina.
A funeral will be held on Friday, March 15, 2024 at 2:00 PM at Norris Mt. Hermon Chapel, Danville, VA with Rev. Ryan Riley and Rev. Daryl Joyce officiating. A visitation will be held on Friday, March 15, 2024 from 1:00PM to 2:00PM at Norris Mt. Hermon Chapel, Danville, VA. Interment will follow at Highland Burial Park.
The family requests that in lieu of flowers, memorial donations be made to a charity of your choice.
Norris Funeral Services and Crematory, Inc., Mt. Hermon Chapel, Danville, VA is respectfully serving the Wilson Family. Online condolences can be made at www.norrisfuneral.com.