Jerry Cooper Wilson
Born May 25, 1946, Brother Jerry Cooper Wilson, founder and previous pastor of Charity Baptist Church, was called home into his glorified body on January 6, 2026. Born and raised in Lowgap, Jerry was a loving father, grandfather, great-grandfather, uncle, brother, mentor, and friend. He was truly a jack of all trades. Whether he was running his beloved beagles, practicing his craft as a Junkological Scientist, making homemade grape juice, working on a new restorative project, or displaying his skills as a master mechanic, he was always outside. On any given day, he would be deep in the woods with his son, Scott, or a good friend hunting rabbits. Being an avid rabbit hunter, he knew how to keep you on your toes. His grandchildren cherish the memories of him helping dig up worms for bait and, of course, baiting the hook to go fishing in the pond. Jerry, the best Papa, was always making special trips “around the loop” with his pockets filled to the brim with treats and surprises for his great-grandson, Declan. Of course, this came with jokes and love for Paige and Donna. Papa would always share a snack with Declan and be ready to go for an outdoor adventure with him and Ramie. Jerry was centered in Christ, and we know it holds true that he is running his dogs through the golden streets hunting rabbits. As Revelation 21:4 states, “And God shall wipe away all tears from their eyes; and there shall be no more death, neither sorrow, nor crying, neither shall there be any more pain: for the former things are passed away.” Surviving are his daughter, Donna Kay Wilson; son and daughter-in-law, Scott Cooper Wilson and wife Pennie; sister, Nancy Wilson Melton; sisters-in-law, Jean Wilson and Lorraine Wilson; grandchildren and their spouses, Stacy Leigh Reid and husband Mike, Cody Lee Dixon and wife Chyna, Angela Paige Dixon and friend Joshua “Slim” Jurney, Kennedy Grace Wilson and partner Maggie, and Santana Dean Wilson Whitaker and husband Nate; great-grandchildren, Avianna Leigh Reid, Ramie Lynn “Monkey” Jurney, Elliott Avery Lee Dixon, Nollie Danielle Dixon, and Declan “Marshal Dillon” Kayne Dixon; special friends Zack and Catie Smith and their sons Casey and Lane; along with other special friends Ben, Adrian, Brittany, and Keyleigh Angle. Also surviving is his loving little sidekick, Flossie. Jerry was preceded in death by his parents, Brisco and Nollie Wilson; son, Brian “Buford” Corey Wilson; sisters, Ruby Patton and Jessie Woodard; brothers, Johnny Wilson and Robby Wilson; and special friends Virgil Galyean and James Davis. A visitation will be held Friday, January 9, 2026, from 6:00 PM to 8:00 PM at Moody Funeral Home in Mount Airy. A funeral service will be held Saturday, January 10, 2026, at 11:00 AM at Moody Funeral Home, with Reverend Larry Stone and Brother Arlis Thomas officiating. Interment will follow in the Liberty Baptist Church Cemetery in Lowgap. Matthew 5:4 “Blessed are they that mourn: for they shall be comforted.” Moody Funeral Services in Mount Airy has been entrusted with the arrangements.
