Jesse Clayton Wilson, age 93, died on July 9, 2023. He was born June 19, 1930, to the late Martin and Eva Wilson in Boyle County, Kentucky.

He is predeceased by his wife, Ella Mae Reed Wilson, whom he married on June 10, 1950.

Jesse was one of the best coon hunters and fishermen the world has ever known. As his grandson, Derek, I run into people all the time that have hunted with him. I can’t say how much land he pointed to that he hunted on, or how many ponds he had either fished or built. He could run heavy equipment and drive the straightest row on a tractor you have ever seen.

He was a master woodworker and well known most recently for his small wishing wells. Jesse was an avid collector of pocketknives.
He grew the best ears of corn I’ve ever tasted along with an amazing garden every year to give most of it away. He was a lover of bluegrass music, especially Bill Monroe. Jesse was a hard worker and a very sweet and kind man. He loved my grandmother and his family dearly. The stories and compliments could go on and on. Those that knew him will say they were blessed to have known him. His grandchildren and great grandchildren were honored to call him Papaw. He will be truly missed.

Jesse is survived by his two sons, Gary “Brother”(Angie) Wilson, Lonnie Wayne (Sharon) Wilson, all of Forkland; a daughter, Melissa (Donnie) Coyle of Parksville; three grandchildren, Derek (Jana) Wilson, Greg (Erika) Wilson, and the late Dana Coyle; seven great grandchildren, Madison, Zach, Amber, Ben, Natalie, Gracie, Waylon and Ella Mae Wilson; brother, Alfred Wilson and many special nieces and nephews.

Visitation will be held from 4 p.m. – 7 p.m., Thursday, July 13, 2023, at Stith Funeral Home, Junction City.

The funeral service for Jesse Wilson will be held at 1 p.m., Friday, July 14, 2023, at Stith Funeral Home, Junction City with Rev. Jr. Fields and Rev. Stacy Wilson officiating.

Serving as pallbearers are Derek Wilson, Greg Wilson, Jimmy Carmon, Lonnie Casey, William Orberson, Randall Wilson, Danny Pike and Ben Wilson.

Serving as Honorary Pallbearers are all the grandchildren, great-grandchildren, Chris Casey, Glen Taylor, David Humphrey and Bobby Wilson III.

A burial will follow at Wilson Cemetery in Junction City, Kentucky.

In lieu of flowers, donations can be made to WDFB Christian Radio Station or University of Kentucky Children’s Hospital.