Harold "Kitty" Wilson, husband, father, grandfather, friend, decorated war hero, scoutmaster, passed peacefully in his home on the morning of January 31, 2019.
He was born at home in Chestnut Lick, Gilmer County, WV on August 31, 1922, a son of the late Henderson Bill Wilson and Rachel Ivy Meadows Wilson. After graduating from Glenville High School in 1942, Kitty served in the US Army until 1946. Following his return from the war, Kitty attended Glenville State College and became the first of his family to earn a college degree in 1950. He not only excelled in academics, but he was a pivotal member of the Glenville State College Pioneers football team and was recognized as the third leading college punter in the United States.
On June 10, 1950, Kitty married the love of his life, Dorothy Jeanne Johnson Wilson, and they enjoyed 66 years of marriage. He saw her for the first time while ice skating in the winter of 1948. She took his breath away and he knew from that moment that she was the woman he would marry.
Kitty is survived by three children, Michael A. Wilson and wife Mary Alice of Grantsville WV, Barbara Wilson Lay and husband Brad Lay of Marlinton WV, and foster daughter W. Kay Deem and husband Greg of Mineral Wells WV; one sister, Pauline "Polly" Bennett of Orlando FL; four grandchildren, ten great grandchildren, two step grandchildren, four step-great grandchildren, one foster grandson, and two foster great grandchildren.
He was preceded in death by his wife, Jeanne; five brothers, James Monroe, Ferrell, Kenneth, Arland "Lit", and Arnett "Arnie" Wilson; and four sisters, Josephine Sims, Garnett Hartman, Flora Wilson, and Carolyn Lee Kemper.
Kitty worked for 37 years at Hope/Consolidated/Dominion, but his true passion was as a boy scout leader. He was a scout leader for 50 years where he influenced the lives of hundreds of men, 50 of which achieved the coveted title Eagle Scout, 6 of those men being father and son pairs.
When he wasn't serving as a troop leader, Kitty could be found on his Cub Cadet where he spent so many hours the hour counter rolled over at least once. If he wasn't mowing, he would be somewhere in the great outdoors usually performing service for others. His favorite saying was, "I did it because it needed to be done." His favorite ways to unwind were watching sports on mute and singing songs around a campfire surrounded by family. He was a dedicated father, loving grandfather, and spread so much love and knowledge during his time on this earth. He will be dearly missed and when our time comes we will be listening for his signature whistle to call us home.
Per his request, his remains were donated to the human gift registry at West Virginia University School of Medicine where he will continue even in death to educate and spread knowledge. A celebration of life for he and Jeanne will be held in conjunction at a later date. |
