David Wilson

Clarence “David” Wilson, 84 of Sweetwater left this life on October 24, 2023, to continue a new one in heaven when he reunites with his cherished wife Faye. They fell in love 5 years prior to their marriage which was held on Thanksgiving Day, November 22, 1962 and remained in love for 52 years. David was born October 11, 1939 to Mabel Sue and Joe Y. Wilson. He grew up and continued to live in the Christianburg community. When you drove by his home on Sands Road, the odds were you would find him mowing or working outside. He loved being outside and from the beautiful look of his lawn, one could easily see the great pride he took. There was never a time when flowers were in bloom that he did not pick a flower or two to bring indoors to Faye. Even four-leaf clovers were plucked and brought to her, which she promptly placed in the pages of a nearby book. Books in the home are surely filled with these little treasures. He became a dairy farmer at the age of 9 on his Aunt Jude and Uncle Albert McDonald’s farm in 1949. He later took over the operations of the farm until he retired in 1995. Being too active to actually retire, he began his second career as a milk technician with DHIA. He enjoyed the opportunity to indirectly continue farm life. He loved going to each farm every month, loaded with jokes and new tales to tell and forging new friendships with the farm owners and dairymen. Only this year was he forced to retire due to health issues. He played on one of the first four teams the year Little League Baseball was introduced to Sweetwater. The name of his team was the Red Sox. David was president of Sweetwater High School’s Class of ’57. He was a fan of all things sport. Because his father demanded he devote his time to farm duties, he regrettably was unable to commit to being a member of any high school team. He did, however, play any sport available to him outside of school. He attended Hiwassee College, taking courses for Agricultural Engineering, using this knowledge for countless practical creations and inventions throughout his life. He became a valuable member of Hiwassee’s baseball team and was invited to also join the basketball team. Again responsibilities of the farm denied him the opportunity. In 1972, he would unknowingly start a school tradition that continues to this day. While attending a football state playoff game in South Pittsburg, to show support of the Sweetwater Wildcats, he decided to try something he’d watched U.T. fans do at a game he’d recently attended. He went throughout the stands and encouraged fans to gather on the field to form two lines for the football team to run through. He recalled that game’s security guards became concerned, not knowing what was happening. David remembered several team members running through the line with tears in their eyes. His nephew, who was on the team, said it gave the players the feeling that no team in the world could beat them. They went on to win the state championship that year. David played community league baseball and softball, where he was known in the southeast Tennessee circuit for the power of his throwing arm. 50 years later some who were witness still talk of the game in Cleveland, Tennessee where he was playing outfield and attempted to throw a runner out at home plate. The ball went over the head of the catcher, the umpire, the fence, several cars and into the parking lot where it rolled out into the street. In years to come, whenever someone would mention that throw, he would hang his head and smile saying, “The ball got a little away from me.” In 1961 David was invited to Kissimmee, Florida to attend tryouts for the Boston Red Sox. Injury ended his chance of becoming a member of the team, but he continued to be a devoted Red Sox fan for the rest of his life. When invited back the following year, he declined and opted instead for a quieter, more humble life as a dairy farmer in Sweetwater, with his soon-to-be new wife. A decision his two daughters consider a blessing and life on a farm his greatest gift to them. They agree with the hundreds who throughout their lives would comment that David is one of the nicest people they know. He now has a whole new group of friends in heaven to entertain with his jokes and tales. He was a founding member of Christianburg Volunteer Fire Department, where he served as president for several years. He was a former board member of the Monroe County Co-Op. David was a lifelong member of Christianburg Baptist Church, where in the last years, he had donated his time to mowing the field adjacent to the cemetery. David devoted his entire life to his family, friends, and neighbors. He was well-known as a man who was always there when someone needed help, often times checking in on and visiting those who were elderly or alone. He will be missed for his strength, smiles, kindness, caring, and especially his sense of humor. David is survived by his two daughters: Mitzi Wilson, Murfreesboro and Sheila Wilson, Sweetwater (both of whom were devoted to, adored, and loved their Daddy with all their hearts). His dear friend and brother-in-law: Donnie Watson, Sweetwater. His special cousins: Yvonne Roy, Sweetwater (whom he referred to as his sister-cousin) and Bill Wilson, Ringgold, Georgia. His nieces who were like two additional daughters: Jodi Watson Rose, Cleveland and Lori Watson Baumgardner, Galax, Virginia. His sister: Marilyn Fleming, Sweetwater. His brother-in-law: Ed Phillips, Tellico Plains. Sisters-in-law: Judy Watson, Sweetwater and Jeanette Eddington, Tellico Plains. Several nieces and nephews, all of whom he loved dearly. He was preceded in death by his beloved wife Faye Watson Wilson in 2014, his parents Mabel Sue (Daugherty) and Joe Y. Wilson, brothers Joseph “Joe Boy” Wilson, Donald Wilson and infant sister, Wanda Sue Wilson. The family would like to thank the staff of Wood Presbyterian Home for their loving care of David. The entire staff was a blessing to him and his daughters. Mitzi and Sheila request that anyone who would like to share a story or remembrance of David, please do so at his service. Or take a moment to write down your memory so that it can be read aloud and shared with the rest of the world.

David Wilson

October 11, 1939 - October 24, 2023