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Huleigh Jay Wilson Obituary

Brought to you by Ferry Funeral Home

Huleigh Jay Wilson

Nevada, MO

March 23, 1945 - May 24, 2022

Huleigh Jay Wilson Obituary

           Huleigh Jay Wilson, 77, of Nevada, MO went to be with his Heavenly Father on May 24, 2022 at his home, surrounded by his loving family.   Huleigh was born March 23, 1945 in Berkeley, CA to Harold and Ruby Wilson. 

Shortly after Huleigh was born, his family moved back to the Montevallo, MO area. At age 6 he developed rheumatic fever, which was the beginning of a lifelong battle with heart disease, where he proved how strong he was by fighting and conquering until the day he passed. He attended Science Hill Country School until 5th grade, before transferring to the El Dorado Springs School District where he graduated in 1962. During his freshman year of high school he met the love of his life, Linda (Smith). They were married on March 24, 1963 which was the beginning of a beautiful family, future, and incredible legacy. After residing in multiple locations and exploring several job opportunities, Huleigh and Linda eventually settled in Nevada, MO, where in 1966 they purchased U Save Oil Company.  This full service gas station, also selling oil, was located at the corner of Highway 54 and Hickory Street, and tire sales were added, which later became its main focus. In 1974, Huleigh purchased land on East Austin Boulevard, a building was built, and in 1976 Wilson Tire was opened in its current location. To this day, for many people, it is the perfect gathering place for family and friends to pop in for a visit,  have a cup of coffee, or get some sage advice from Huleigh—who was nearly always there, six days a week. Huleigh was always involved in agriculture, and his passion to share it, led to the establishment of Wilson Farms, which includes row crops, cattle, pecans, and conserving the land for wildlife.   Huleigh enjoyed what he got to do, but his true passion was the fact that he was able to work alongside his wife, brother Loel, 3 sons, and grandchildren, everyday even more. Faith was important to Huleigh, and he was an active member and deacon for the Community of Christ Church in Nevada.  

Medically, with two artificial heart valves, a pacemaker, one kidney, and diabetes, Huleigh was a walking miracle who blessed the lives of all who crossed his path. He loved the Lord and shared His ministry through his giving ways throughout the community and by opening his home, business, and heart to many throughout the years; helping anyone in need and making sure everyone felt and knew they were loved and welcome. He believed in second chances and that a positive environment could turn a life around. He put this passion into the countless number of people he employed and the people he welcomed through the doors of his business and home. Huleigh was a very successful businessman and farm and land owner, but his true pride and joy came from his family that he was blessed with. He adored his wife, sons, daughter in laws, and grandkids, and loved every moment he got to spend with each of them. If he wasn't at the tire store or on the farm, you could find him enjoying some of his favorite things:  attending the grandkids school events, taking drives, hunting, fishing, relaxing at the Big Farm, or spending time with his family and friends. 

In his final days, Huleigh was surrounded by his many loved ones, and was sure to let everyone know how much he loved them and how blessed his life was because of them. While our hearts are broken, we take such comfort in knowing how very much he was looking forward to being reunited with his son, Kenny, at Heaven's gates.

Huleigh leaves behind an incredible legacy and will be greatly missed by his family who loved him dearly. In addition to his beautiful wife Linda, he is survived by two sons: Kurt Wilson and his wife Julie, Nevada, MO,  Mark Wilson and his wife Mary Ann, Walker, MO; daughter-in-law Karla Wilson, Nevada, MO; his grandchildren: Kohlten Wilson and his wife Katlyn, Kayli Leftwich and her husband Ernie, Kaitlyn Francis and her husband Kail, Grant Wilson, Blair Wilson, Lane Wilson, Lindey Wilson, and Brody Wilson; his great grandchildren: Aceten and Madyn Leftwich, Sutton and Stratton Wilson; his siblings: Harold Wray Wilson, Earline Allison, Sharon Burchett, Rick Wilson, Loel Wilson, Robin Jones, and Melody Rutledge; two honorary adopted sons, Ronnie and Lonnie Beshears; numerous cousins, nephews, nieces, and a host of family and friends.  

He is preceded in death by his son, Kenneth Wilson; parents, Harold and Ruby Wilson; mother and father-in-law, Charles and Pauline Smith; brother, J.D. Wilson; and several cousins, nieces, nephews, and friends.

Funeral services will be held at 1:00 p.m. on Saturday, May 28, 2022 at the First Baptist Church in Nevada. Interment will follow in Newton Burial Park in Nevada.  Friends may call now and until 10:00 a.m. on Saturday at Ferry Funeral Home.

Memorials are suggested in his memory to Nevada Community of Christ Church or the Nevada R-5 Scholarship Foundation c/o Ferry Funeral Home.  

To share a memory or send a condolence gift, please visit the Official Obituary of Huleigh Jay Wilson hosted by Ferry Funeral Home.

Events

Event information can be found on the Official Obituary of Huleigh Jay Wilson.