Raymond Wilson

Raymond Wilson, formerly of Louisville, passed away on May 28th, 2023, in Cumming, Georgia.
Ray was born to Pet and Mattie Turner Wilson in Eversole Community in Eastern Kentucky in
1933 and was the last survivor of 14 children. Ray’s early experiences on his family’s farm
ultimately shaped his career and future, while instilling in him an enduring work ethic that was
lifelong.
While attending the University of Kentucky, Ray entered the Army and was subsequently called
to active duty, where he was stationed as part of the occupation army in Germany in the years
following World War II. He achieved the rank of First Lieutenant and was honorably discharged
in 1961.
After serving his country, Ray continued his education and was the first person in his family to
graduate from college, earning a BS and MS of Agricultural Science and Chemistry. He was a
proud graduate of the University of Kentucky and was a lifelong ‘Cats fan. Ray subsequently
went to work in Research and Development for British American Tobacco and later for Brown
and Williamson–a career that took him to Mexico, where he met and married the love of his life,
Rosa. Ray’s work afforded him many opportunities for international travel and interesting
experiences–among them, a memorable fishing trip on the Amazon River. Ray was driven by a
deep sense of duty, and providing for his family was a top priority for him.
After living for extensive periods in both Mexico and Venezuela, Ray brought his young family
back to his native Kentucky, settling in the Louisville area. In a new city and without any relatives
nearby, the Wilsons found a surrogate family and lifelong friendship with Baxter, Kyleen, and
Mark Kelly.
While pursuing his full-time career, Ray transitioned back into the farming life he loved, at one
point owning three cattle farms. His farming hobby turned into a full-time passion after
retirement, when he moved out to his farm in Henry County. Ray was perhaps most at home on
the farm, where he enjoyed the peace of the land and the sense of purpose it provided.
Ray loved spending time with his family, and they will particularly miss his smile. He was famous
for his meticulous planning and infamous for his impatience. He will always be remembered for
his creative cooking, particularly his sweet potato casseroles at Thanksgiving– no two of which
were ever the same. Ray’s innate perseverance and sheer determination were hallmarks of his
life, leading him to fight through many obstacles, including health challenges that would have
seemed insurmountable to many. In his later years, he could often be found listening to music or
enjoying time on the patio as Rosa tended her garden.
Left to cherish his memory are: his wife of 58 years, Rosa Wilson; his 3 children, Elena Carrillo,
Victor Wilson, and George Wilson; granddaughter Victoria Wilson; son-in-law Armando Carrillo
and daughter-in-law Andrea Wilson; and many dear friends. While they grieve his loss, they
rejoice that he is in the presence of his Lord and Savior