Community Icon!!!

Yesterday we said goodbye to a community icon here in our neighborhood.  Mr. Ed Wilson lost his battle with cancer.  It hit me pretty hard, as the Wilson's have always been in my life here in the Riley's Creek Community.  I can't ever remember not seeing them or hearing about them once I moved away.  I immediately started crying when I saw the wreath on the door.  My world is once again changed.  The Wilson's sit in front of us at church, and I enjoyed watching Ms. Glenn punch Mr. Ed to make sure he is awake.  The dynamics of our community have changed once again.

Mr. Ed Wilson

You see, my first job was at Wilson's Supermarket.  I went in on Monday after getting my license to apply for a job.  Mr. Wilson & Mrs. Wilson were there in the office (a rarity even at that time).  The manager didn't look like he was going to hire me, but Mr. Wilson told him, "You better hire this little girl.  I've known her since she was this high."....his hands went up to about 2 feet.  Mr. Tootoo immediately hired me on Mr. Wilson's recommendation, and I started working that night.  Many times I would check the Wilson's out as they bought groceries.  My job gave me freedom and responsibility that helped prepare me for adulthood.

Me at 16 in my Wilson's smock.  I had received flowers while at work, Mr. Tootoo, the manager took this picture.



I can remember the store they had at Long Creek.  As a very young child, we would go there and buy groceries. It was a sad day when that old building was torn down as well.  Wilsons, home of the country boys....that was their motto.

I actually found this photo of a name tag on the internet.  Just wanted to share a piece of Americana of yester year.

Not long ago Mr. Wilson got to go on the Honor Flight to Washington, DC.  It was to take the veterans to see the WWII memorial.  He was so excited about that experience.  He told me all about how great they treated them, and how he felt as he saw the memorial.  He was proud to have served his country.  I immediately thought of song that Janet Paschal sings yesterday when I knew of his passing. 

Strike up the band 

Assemble the choir

Another soldier's coming home

Another warrior hears the call he's waited for so long

He'll battle no more

But he's won his wars

Make sure Heaven's table has room for at least one more

Sing a welcome song

Another soldier's coming home

 

Yesterday, the angel's sang a welcome song as another soldier went home.  We will miss you Mr. Ed, but heaven was waiting for your arrival.