J.E. "J Bird" "Shake" Wilson, age 86, of Decatur, passed away on Wednesday, April 30, 2025.
J.E. was a member of Union Grove Baptist Church. He graduated from Meigs County High School in 1957. He was a United States Navy Veteran and a member of Meigs Lodge #213 F.&A.M. for over 61 years, where he served as Worshipful Master in 1968 and was the oldest living past Master. He worked for Dillard Smith Construction for 42 years. He was a member of IBEW Local 175. He had a passion for playing Golf and was previous part owner of Lake Haven Golf Course and a member of the Maxie Davis Golf Tour.
He was an avid Meigs County High School Athletics fan and coached the Dixie Youth Baseball Team for many years. He played Softball for many years in several different leagues.
He is preceded in death by his parents: Elbert “Shorty” and Cora “Tootsie” Goforth Wilson; brother: Donald Wilson.
He is survived by his wife of 65 years: Charlene Morrison Wilson of Decatur; children: Connie (Stephen) Bencho of Harrison, TN, Karen (Jeff) Pewitt of Maryville, TN; grandchildren: Hayden (Jamie) Pewitt of Maryville, TN, Tripp Bencho of West Palm Beach, FL, Parker Pewitt of Knoxville, TN, Allie Bencho of Charleston, SC; siblings: Bill (Louise) Wilson of Decatur; nephews: Neal Wilson, Kip (Shannon) Wilson; other extended family and a host of friends.
A Masonic service will be held at 7 p.m. on Friday, May 2, in the Chapel of Decatur Funeral Home & Cremation Services with a funeral service to follow with the Rev. Dusty Caldwell officiating.
Interment will be held at 11 a.m. on Saturday, May 3, in the Decatur Cemetery with Military Honors. Pallbearers will be Neal and Kip Wilson, Ronnie and Charles Morrison, Glenn McGann, and John Buchanan
Honorary Pallbearers will be the Maxie Davis Golf Tour.
The family will receive friends from 5 – 7 p.m., prior to the service.
Decatur Funeral Home & Cremation Services is honored to serve the Wilson family.
Please go to www.decaturfuneralsandcremations.com and sign the guest book and offer your condolences.
Arrangements are entrusted to Decatur Funeral Home & Cremation Services, 423 334-3661.