John Wesley “JW” Wilson, 91, of Sharpsburg, passed away peacefully Thursday, March 12, 2026, at his home surrounded by family.
Born May 19, 1934, in Bourbon County, he was the son of the late Bishop Wilson and Effie Sargeant Wilson. He was a proud tobacco and cattle farmer, Korean War veteran, and faithful member of Peyton’s Lick Christian Church. He was known for his devotion to his family, his quiet strength, and a life rooted in service and faith.
Survivors include his beloved wife of more than seventy years, Lucy Clayton Wilson; son, John David (Connie) Wilson of Sharpsburg; daughter, Sheila (Bill) Murphy of Mt. Sterling; grandchildren, Tyler Wilson of Sharpsburg and Kayla Murphy of Nashville, Tenn.; brother, Wayne (Patsy) Wilson of Winchester; and numerous nieces and nephews who will cherish his memory.
In addition to his parents he was preceded in death by his siblings, William Earl Wilson, Herbert Wilson, Paul Wilson, Robert Wilson, Ray Wilson, Helen Wilson Reynolds and Margaret Wilson Dawson.
Service was conducted Monday, March 16 at Michael R. Gray Funeral Home in Owingsville with Rev. Mary Weese officiating. Burial with full military honors performed by American Legion Post 22 followed at the Crown Hill Cemetery.
Pallbearers were nephews, Billy Dawson, Victor Wilson, Kevin Jamison, Brian Highley, Chase Taylor and Alex Tyler.
Honorary pallbearers were P.D. Wilson, Ricky Purvis, Walter Shrout, Donald Back, Bobby Joe Hammack and Dirk Verplogh.
In lieu of flowers expressions of sympathy are suggested to UK St. Claire Hospice, 201 Lyons Ave., Morehead, Ky., 40351.
The Michael R. Gray Funeral Home in Owingsville cared for all the arrangements.
To view the online memorial and sign the guest book, please visit www.mrgfh.com.
