Mr. Clarence “Jay” Wilson Jr., 91, of Calvert City, died on Tuesday, July 23, 2024, at the Calvert City Convalescent Center.
He was born in Milburn, Kentucky on June 11, 1933 to Jewell Wilson and Velma Hayden Wilson. Jay was a veteran of the United States Air Force, serving in the Korean War and achieving the rank of Airman First Class. In 1972, he and his wife, Mary, opened the KOA campground in Calvert City. They proudly ran the campground for 47 years, until they retired in 2019. He was of the Methodist faith.
Jay is survived by his wife of 72 years, Mary Lou (Barriger) Wilson of Calvert City; one son, Barry Jay Wilson (Emily) of Benton; one daughter, Teresa Thompson (Tom) of Smithland; one sister, Frances Burgess Wheeler of Mayfield; and two grandchildren, Brandon Wilson and Brooke Wilson, both of Florence.
He was preceded in death by his parents, Jewell and Velma Wilson; four brothers, Gene Wilson, James Wilson, Clarence “Curly” Wilson, and Bill Wilson; and three sisters, Mary Brown, Jessie Lou Claiborne, and Irene Young.
A graveside funeral service will be held at 2:00 PM on Sunday, July 28, 2024 at Calvert City Cemetery with Ken Barriger officiating.
Visitation will be held from 11:30 AM until 1:30 PM on Sunday, July 28, 2024 at Collier Funeral Home.