Brady Wilson

Brady Wilson, known to many as Papa was born on June 1, 1930 and passed from this life on July 1, 2010. The world has never known a kinder, braver, more beautiful person. He lived and died with more faith and grace than most could ever hope to have and was an inspiration to everyone he met. He will never be forgotten and we will never stop missing him but we do take peace in knowing that he is out of pain, dancing in Heaven with the Lord and has finally regained his sight. Losing his eye sight at age 9 never stopped Brady from living his life to the fullest. Brady never let his disability keep him from experiencing the world, which sometimes resulted in mishaps such as riding his bike into the creek in the dead of winter and driving his brother’s car through the back of the garage. He was also the first blind man to hike Mount LeConte and was employed for 50 years with the YMCA as a massage therapist and health club director. An accomplished musician who played the harmonica, banjo, guitar, fiddle, and piano, he loved playing bluegrass and gospel. He even recorded his first record as a child and several in his later years. Brady loved spending time with his family and friends, going out to eat at his favorite restaurants, listening to his “Cubbies” baseball games, and traveling, especially to the ocean. He was a devoted member of Laurel Church of Christ for 43 years where he developed many life-long friendships. He was born in Ritchie County, West Virginia to Carl and Lula Pearl Wilson, the youngest of ten children. He married Anne Price on April 4, 1953, who preceded him in death in 1992. He was also preceded in death by 5 sisters and 2 brothers. He is survived by daughters and son-in-laws: Sharon and Rick Ellis, Centerburg, Ohio and Betsy and John Alpers, Knoxville, TN; grandchildren: Megan Ellis of Key West, FL, Beth Brewer Lamfers (Levi) of Nashville, Tim Ellis (Katie) of Yorktown, VA, Melissa Brewer Nichols (Rob) of Knoxville, Andy Ellis of Knoxville, Will Ellis of Centerburg, OH, Andy Alpers of Knoxville, and Melissa Alpers of Knoxville; two great granddaughters, Abigail Lamfers and Gwennan Ellis, who were his pride and joy. He is also survived by his sister Narcissus Mills of Oak Hill, OH and brother Goff Wilson of Auburndale, FL. Pallbearers will be Will Ellis, Tim Ellis, Rick Ellis, John, Alpers, Levi Lamfers, Rob Nichols. In lieu of flowers, the family is requesting that donations be made to the American Foundation for the Blind or Saint Jude’s Children Hospital in Brady’s name.

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Brady Wilson

June 1, 1930 - July 1, 2010