David “Grumps” Wilson passed away at his home in Fort Mill, SC, surrounded by family on Oct 22, 2020.

He was born and raised in Washington, Indiana to his Father Stanly “Red” Wilson and Ruby Wilson. He is predeceased by his Sister and Brother in Law, Esther & Jim Ridgley and survived by his brother and sister in law, Stan and Janet Wilson.

It was in Washington where he met his Wife to be of 40 Years Jeaneane (Litherland) Wilson. In his younger years he would be commonly seen running around his Uncle’s Junkyard or with his childhood Best Friend John “Yogi” Burris (deceased) and his lifelong best friend Darrell Lagle, which would become a brother.

David is survived by his Wife, Jeaneane, 3 daughters: Brandi Reeves (42), Brianne Wilson (38), Brooke Wilson (30) and his Son, Brad Wilson (a young and dare we say handsome, 34). He also leaves in his trail 5 Grandchildren. Michael Kiper (21), Kinon Kiper (20), Chase Reeves (16), Bryson Wilson (13), Kayleigh Reeves (12) , His Pup HeartLee (4) . Grandpups; Sydney (7), Dixie (5) , Diesel (3) Luna(2) and Knox (8 months).

It was though the birth of his first Grandchild (Michael Kiper) where he was promoted to Grandfather and earned the name “Grumps.”

“Grumps” spent his life doing what he loved for a living. His first and only job was a Truck Driver. He took pride in his work. He took even more pride in taking his kids on the road with him when time and the route allowed. He was his kids, and that is how he wanted it.

Everyone who knew David knew him as a family man with a tough exterior. But underneath that exterior was a soft hearted, caring man, that put his family above everything else. He loved terrible corny jokes. He often made himself crack up telling the best dad jokes and puns his mind could come up with, or whatever punny joke he heard on the road. While nobody ever heard him sing, He would assure you that he had the best voice in Choir, confirmed by his Choir director Birdie Blackmore (or so the story goes).

David could always be found reading a newspaper in the morning or watching the news in the evening. He loved spending time in the mountains, where he would find any reason to go. He made it no secret that his most cherished memories, were those spent in the mountains, in a cabin, with his family.

Words from Family,

Jeaneane (Wife) “Thank you for our beautiful children. We almost made 40 years married, quite a feat in itself. Rest in Peace David!

Brandi Reeves (Oldest Daughter) “David became a daddy to a little blonde headed girl that was not of his own blood. He raised her as his own, despite what others said. Every moment, every event, Daddy was always there. He gave everything to his family. Then came the time he was no longer just Daddy, he was now Grumps. He cherished that title. As he did for all his children, he was there for every one of the grandkids' activities and accomplishments. All his kids and grandkids knew that when they looked out into the crowd, they would see the black cowboy hat on the head of the man that loved them more than anything. Thank you for teaching us what unconditional love is, Daddy!”

Brianne Wilson (2nd born) “Daddy used to wake up early in the morning, get himself ready for his day and of course before leaving the house would put on his boots. Many mornings, he would put his foot in one of his boots and would find one of my toys in there. Fast forward quite a bit, Daddy would still be getting himself up and ready for work. Going through his normal routines, before leaving the house, would go to put his boots on. He put his foot in his boot and had to pull it back off, as Bryson had started putting toys in his boots. He wasn't upset about it, he simply laughed at it and started talking about how I had done it when I was about his age.

Daddy worked hard for many years to help provide for his family. He always wanted us to have everything we needed. To me, putting toys in his boots was a form of giving him a gift. He gave so much of himself for the ones he loved. I'm grateful he was chosen to be my daddy, and that led him to be an equally amazing Grumps. I will miss him every day, but know he is able to watch and guide our family from above. We love you so much.

Brad Wilson (Son) “ My Father is the reason I am a wrestling fan. He is the reason I ended up in the Trucking industry. Though being men, we didn’t share many feelings. But he was my hero. As a boy I would exaggerate his strengths and refuse to admit any of his weaknesses. I will never forget those times I got to ride in his truck. The memories of being at Winthrop Coliseum, watching WCW will stay with me forever. Though we had different views of what hard work was. My free spirit and dream big personality was directly made possible by his stability. Everything I have done in my professional and wrestling career, has been to prove to him that he taught me right, and that I will make him proud. My final words with you a few hours before your passing, will stay with me forever.”

Brooke Wilson ( youngest daughter) “I cannot put down just one favorite memory. My whole life has been a collage of great memories with Dad. From laying on his chest watching tv as a kid, going with him to wash his rig on the weekends, sitting down at the dinner table every night to hear whatever terribly punny joke he heard on the radio while on the road that day, to growing up and going on random road trips just because. I cherish our FatherDaughterDaddy (All one word. You gotta say it fast.) dates when we'd go out to lunch or dinner. Everything he did, he did for his family, and I am grateful we got so much time with him. I know he's out there somewhere driving his red GTO with Bullet riding shotgun. I love him deeply, and will miss him greatly, but it's time for him to spend time with his Mom, Dad, and sister once again. I love you, Daddy.”

There will be a Celebration of Life at the Home of David Wilson in Fort Mill, SC on 11/1/2020 at 2pm.