Clyde Edward Wilson of Mount Vernon passed away peacefully on September 25, 2025, at the age of 94, following extended health issues. He was the son of Malissa Brown Wilson and Kenis Wilson and the beloved husband of the late Lorraine Adams Wilson, with whom he shared 74 years of marriage.
Clyde is survived by his sons, John Wilson and wife Carlene of Eden Prairie, MN; Ed Wilson (C.E. Wilson Jr.); and Mark Wilson and wife Mary Beth Sellers of Mount Vernon; as well as his daughter, Renda Wilson, and husband Mark Repp of Minot, ND. He was the grandfather of Taylor Wilson O’Neil of Syracuse, NY, and Connor Wilson of New York City, NY; the great-grandfather of two; and the step-grandfather of three. Among his large family of 11 siblings, he is survived by his sole remaining brother, Dan Wilson of Mount Vernon.
Born in Drill, Virginia, in 1931, Clyde moved to Knox County at age 15, just a few years after losing his father at age 12. The hardships of his early life, shaped by the Great Depression, poverty, and loss, instilled in him a lasting spirit of generosity and compassion. Known for his kindness and gentle humor, Clyde never turned aside the needs of family or those facing difficult circumstances.
Clyde dedicated 50 years to PPG Industries, working in Mount Vernon, Fresno, CA, and Pittsburgh, PA. Alongside his full-time career, he took on additional jobs with Sears, built the family home, and developed and renovated multiple rental properties. His drive and entrepreneurial spirit reflected his commitment to providing for his family.
Outside of work, Clyde loved the outdoors and cultivated an orchard of 52 dwarf fruit trees, including apple, peach, pear, and papaw varieties. Each spring, he led his children on mushroom-hunting adventures through local woods, with a gift for spotting morels no one else could see.
In his later years, Clyde remained in the family home with the devoted care of his son Ed. Together they traveled widely, sharing a love of history and science. His daughter Renda held a special place in his heart as his only daughter, while John and Carlene kept him engaged in conversations of leadership and accomplishment. Clyde expressed often and directly the love and pride he felt for his family.
Clyde Wilson lived a life that rose above hardship, defined by hard work, generosity, and devotion to family. He will be remembered with love, admired for his values, and missed deeply by all who knew him. His legacy of character and wisdom endures.
