James Wilson Obituary in Gastonia at Gregory Funeral Service

Obituary For James Wilson

James LaDale Wilson was born in Gastonia, North Carolina on April 14, 1964. He was the middle child to the union of Brenda Wilson and the late James Wilson. He departed this life on Wednesday, June 1, 2022.

Dale graduated from Newberry High School, Newberry, FL, in 1982. While there he joined the school band where he played various instruments but fell in love with the trumpet. He had a God-given talent to play. He practiced faithfully and excelled in playing the trumpet. Shortly after graduating from high school, he enlisted into the United States Marines reporting to Camp Lejeune, North, Carolina. It was no surprise that Dale continued his love for the trumpet by proudly joining the Military Band. After serving in the military, he returned to civilian life at his birthplace of Gastonia. He eventually made his way back to where he grew up, Gainesville, Florida. He lived there for several years before making a full circle back to Gastonia.

He was a free spirit, full of life. After leaving the military Dale developed a love of cooking. He was skilled in the kitchen. He called upon the skills taught by his grandmother. He cooked finger licking summertime barbecues and scrumptious southern style holiday meals. His cooking repertoire extended to baking. On special occasions he loved baking lemon pound cakes and sweet potato pies.

He expanded his cooking selections by working at various restaurants in Georgia and North Carolina. After a brief stay in Powder Springs, GA, relocating to Gastonia a second time, Dale excelled as the best line cook Waffle House (Highway 321) ever had.

He was an old soul who loved to watch sports, old westerns, black and white movies, and lots of laughs watching reruns of Andy Griffin. Family meant the world to him. Amanda and Rodney were more than siblings. Each in their own individual way were his best friends. He loved his children Brittany and Justin dearly. Hanging out with best buddies, Jimmy Love, Garland Williams, the late Elliott “TowPete” Montgomery, and the late Vernard Tate always made for a good time. He and his mother Brenda shared a special bond. After a brief illness, Brenda, with the help of family, took care of her son.

Having grown up in Trinity Unity AME Zion and Friendship Baptist churches, Dale was a child of God. Dale is preceded in death by his father, James A. Wilson; grandmother, Inez Webb; grandmother, Mildred Wilson; Grandfather, Dennis “PawPaw” Wilson Sr; Uncle, Dennis “Det” Wilson Jr.; and Great grandfather, Robert “Pop” Webb. He leaves to cherish his memories his mother, Brenda Wilson (Gastonia, NC); daughter, Brittany Day (Gainesville, FL); son, Justin LaDale Wilson (Gastonia, NC); sister, Amanda Wilson-Cooper (Atlanta, GA); brother, Warren Rodney Wilson (Gastonia, NC); Uncle, Kenneth Wilson (Janice) (Charlotte, NC); Aunt, Diane Wilson (Gastonia, NC); nephew, Warren (Drek) Long (Gastonia, NC); niece, Tempest Long (Gastonia, NC); nephew, Connor Cooper (Atlanta, GA); great nephews, Cari and Omari Long; great niece, Jalayah Long (all of Gastonia, NC). Special loved ones: Twana Melissa Anderson-Nava (Dallas, GA); proclaimed sister-n-law Yolanda Long-Sanders (Gastonia, NC) and a host of family members and dear friends.

Viewing at the funeral home on Friday; June 10, 2022 from 6 until 8

Funeral will be Saturday; June 11, 2022 at Mills Chapel Holiness Church, Gastonia at 2:30 p.m. with visitation thirty minutes before the service.

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Condolences & Tributes

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My deepest condolences to Ms. Wilson, Amanda, Rodney and the rest of the Wilson family. May God bless and strengthen you during this time. May Dale's memory always be a blessing to you all.
April Nix-Hastings

My condolences to Amanda and her family. May God give you all strength during this time.

To the family of James, we the Class of 1982 of Newberry High School, Newberry Florida offer our deepest condolences. Once a Panther always a Panther

I've known Dale "my brother " for a very long time. I'm really loss with words right now. My heart 💜 is broken and heavy. The memories I have with him will live on forever. He will always be my big brother. I'm praying that my family find peace and comfort. My brother take your rest now we will see each other again. Deepest sympathy and condolences to my family. Love y'all Mama, Warren and Amanda know that I'm always here just a phone call away.

Prayers to the family

I am the lady who worked with the late, James Wilson. My Testimonial is written down below instead of Above my Previous Messages.

The Above Testimonial Message is from Me: Ms. Linda Kay Coleman 🌹

I met James Wilson in 2001, here in Powder Springs, GA. He was staying with his Sister Amanda Cooper at that time. He invited me over to meet Amanda, her Husband and also his Nephew Connor. James was so kind and friendly. He was a Cook at the Waffle House, and I was one of their New Waitresses. This was the opening of a New Waffle House in our local Community. James was an Excellent Cook and was tipped very well. We even socialized, sometimes when we both were scheduled OFF. I lost close Contact with him, when he moved back home, to help take Care of his Elderly Grandmother. But he Always was happy and content, to be in my presence. He was a good friend to Me, and I will Always "Treasure his Memory"! May he Now Rest in Peace, until Jesus Returns for All of His Saints. 🙏 🙏 🙏 I am extending my "Deepest Sympathy" and Heartfelt Condolences to James Wilson's Family; during their time of Bereavement. Yes, I am Praying for ALL, who sadly will miss him. 🌹😢✌️

Our staff will continue to keep your family in our prayers. We thank you for allowing us to serve your family.

Gregory Funeral Service | Gastonia, NC