Brian Keith Wilson, 89, of Fairmont, passed from this life on Sunday evening at home, with his family by his side, following a lengthy illness. He was born May 2, 1933, in Daybrook, the son of the late Homer Stanley and Mildred Elizabeth Wilson.
He met Janet Hope Hunter while she was staying with her grandmother in Daybrook and even recalled where she was standing in the church lot and what her dress looked like. They married at the same church on June 4, 1955 and would have been married 68 years this June. Janet was his partner in faith, life, family and business. She cared for him tirelessly during his illness so he could remain at home, and he described her as the most beautiful angel he had ever seen.
After high school at Clay-Battelle, where he was an outstanding basketball player who loved to shoot rather than pass, Brian graduated from Morgantown Business School and a four-year training program with the International Brotherhood of Electrical Workers (IBEW). He went on to work for Fairmont-based F.K. Everest, Incorporated for two years when he became its co-owner and general manager. During this time, he also bought into Eastern Electric and served as President and Governor of the West Virginia Chapter of the National Electrical Contractors Association. Brian later joined the board of Osborne Machinery, a hardware wholesaler based in Bridgeport, which supplied heavy equipment to the tri-state area. He and his wife, Janet, founded Wilson Estates Inc., which encompassed 13 rental units and a 32-lot housing development in Monumental. Due to his experience as president and chairman-of-the-board for numerous banks and holding companies, he was appointed to the State Banking Commission by then-Governor John D. Rockefeller IV. Always active in the community, Brian was also elected to the Marion County Board of Education twice and served as president for two terms. He held memberships in the Fairmont Rotary, Chamber of Commerce and Fairmont Industrial and Credit Corporation.
Beyond his business accomplishments, he believed his most important job he had ever held was that of elder in the church of Christ in Barrackville, where he and his family were faithful members. He taught many Bible classes and very much enjoyed working with the young people of the congregation. Before his illness, he had at least three members of the youth group sitting with him during services, which caused his wife to move further and further down the pew. He especially loved congregational singing and enjoyed singing alto, bass, soprano and tenor — all in the same song. When he sold F.K. Everest Inc., he spent most of his time on the family farm and kept it and the livestock in pristine condition. Above all, Brian enjoyed socializing, as anyone who knew him can attest. He was never afraid to broach the topics of the church and the Bible to anyone he met. Brian was a generous man, whether it be the church or assisting someone searching for a job.
In addition to his parents, he was predeceased by his older brother, Cleatus Eugene Wilson; his mentor and one of his best friends; his sister-in-law, Bonnie (Wells) Wilson; and several aunts, uncles and cousins.
Survivors include his wife, Janet; a younger brother, Gary; his next-door-neighbor and friend, and his wife (Cathy) Wilson; one son, Kevin Keith (Tara) Wilson; a daughter, Lesa Hope (Mark) Stutler; three grandchildren, Mackenzie Hope, Preston Keith (Kelsi) and Cameron Keith (Sarah). Brian and Janet also were blessed with three great-grandchildren: Whitley Lynne, Wylder Keith and Rhett Allen; and several nieces and nephews.
He was never happier than being with the grandchildren as they grew up. Every day was an adventure on the farm, at “Pap and Granny’s” house, or traveling in, or outside, the U.S. For Brian, the saddest day every year was when the children, or his “crew” as he called them, had to go back to school in the Fall. His most fervent hope and prayers were for his family to remain strong in the faith so that they can all be re-united some day.
The family will receive friends at Ford Funeral Home, R.C. Jones Chapel, 1410 Country Club Road, Fairmont, WV 26554, from 2-8 p.m. on Wednesday, April 19, and from 10-11 a.m. on Thursday, April 20. The funeral service will be held in the funeral home at 11 a.m. on Thursday, April 20, with Evangelist Steve Snider and Evangelist Andy Miller officiating. A committal service will follow at Daybrook Cemetery in Daybrook Community.
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