Elza Wilson
June 21, 1920 ~ April 11, 2012
Elza V. Wilson, age 91, of Philippi, WV passed away Wednesday April 11, 2012 at Rosewood Nursing Home in Grafton, WV where he had been a resident for the past 4 years. Elza Wilson was born on June 21, 1920 at Belington, WV a son of the late Hurshel P. and Maude (Zirkle) Wilson. On June 9, 1944, he married the late Nola Brady in LaCross, WS. Nola passed away August 9, 1999. Elza is survived by one son, Mickey Wilson of FL, Rev. Mrs. Mike (Bonnie) Starkey of Jane Lew, WV, and Mrs. Brian (Arnetta) Hatfield of Grafton, WV. Surviving are five grandsons, Sean and Daniel Wilson, Michael Starkey Jr., Chris Starkey and Jason Hatfield, one granddaughter Rebecca Bolner, and 2 great grandchildren and 2 step great grandchildren. Elza was born a twin to the late Virginia Brooks. His sisters Mildred Helton and Fannie Eileen Cook are the last siblings of a family of ten.
Mr. Wilson served in the US Army from 1939-1945 as sergeant in charge of a 16 anti-air craft search crew. He worked for the Ralph B. Swiger Co. from 1946-1962. He owned and operated the Wilson's Furniture Center in Clarksburg and Nutter Fort from 1963-1975. He was very active in the UM Church and Methodist Conference, an active member of the American Legion since 1949 serving as officer nad commander at various times. the Loins Club, and a board member of the Heart and Hand House in Philippi. He was one of the founders and past president of the Mt. Food Bank in Gassaway. Elza had served as president of the Univeristy of Hard Knock at AB College from 1986-approx. 2004. In 1985 he was awarded an Honorary Doctor of Letters by the Triune Bible Institute and Seminary and in 1996 he was awarded an Honorary Doctorate of Public Service Degree.
Upon retirement in 1975 he dedicated numerous hours to the community. For his service he was awarded numerous awards. Elza was also a member of the Gideons of Barbour County and Crim UM Church in Philippi, and American Legion Post 44 in Philippi. Elza and Nola Wilson restored the Campbell Schoolhouse which he attended as a child. It is currently on the campus of AB College.
Friends will be received at the Wright Funeral Home 216 N. Walnut St. Philippi on Friday April 13, from 4-8 pm and on Saturday April 14, fro 8 am - 1 pm the service hour with Rev. Bonnie Starkey and Rev. Tim Bleigh officaiting. Interment will follow in the Mt. Lebanon Cemetery with military rites being accorded. In lieu of flowers memorial contributions may be made to the Elza V. Wilson Scholarship Fund o/c Advancement Office Box 2154 AB College 101 College Hill Dr. Philippi, WV 26146.
Saturday April 14, 2012, 1 pm at Wright Funeral Home
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Dear Bonnie and Family, May God grant peace and many happy memories of your father.
To Arnetta and Mickey and other family members My thoughts are with you as you go thru this part of Life. I will always remember Elza from years back as he shared his life, family history and the beloved Campbell School project. . . As a co Alumni of the University Of Hard Knocks group of fine folks. I will always remember Elza. Sincerely, Greg Mouser
So sorry 4 the loss of your loved one, I can remember both Elza and Nola from the church at Bethel, my son always attended bible school there, and all the fun we had at the Campbell school house when we would play games, do the pie eating contest, and numerous other things they did 4 the youth and adults in that community. May God bless all of u in these days, weeks, and months ahead that he will comfort, encourage, and strengthen u in a mighty way, GOD BLESS ALL OF U Love, Tommy & Brenda Evix
Dear Hatfield Family, we are so sorry we will not be able to come to the funeral home and be with you all. We have made a previous appointment in Richmond VA for the weekend. You all are in our thoughts and prayers. Please know that we love and care about you all. In Christian Love Dale and Ramola
Bonnie,
Was sorry to hear your dad passed away and know this is a stressful time with the family. Glad to see you are doing his service. Trust all works out well for the family. Will keep you in prayer.
Jo
Dear Bonnie and family,
We were sorry to hear about the passing of your father. Please know that you are in our thoughts and prayers. We are sorry that we cannot be with you during this difficult time, you were a great comfort to us when we lost Grandpa; but Mom is not well enough for us to come to the funeral. Again, we wanted to let you know that we are thinking of you, Love and Prayers, Sharon, Anita and Pete
Your father/grandfather was a giant in every sense of the word. He worked tirelessly to make the world a better place for us all. It was my great pleasure and privilege to know and to work with him on many projects. May memories comfort you and may you have peace through the Prince of Peace.
My thoughts and prayers go out to all the Wilson family and his many many friends and acquaintences literally throughout the world. This man was a legend in his own time. This man touched so many lives during his lifetime that it would be hard to tell his story adequately. He was not a close friend of mine, although he could have been and it would have been my priviledge. I was a member of the class of 1991 for the “University of Hard Knocks”. Our class president was Mrs. Robert Byrd and our mascott was U. S. Senator Robert Byrd. This tells his story as to him touching my life. He will be missed by so many people. He is with the lord now.
Bonnie i am sorry hear the death of your father Jesus took him home to be with him ilove you God Bless.