Owen James Wilson, Jr.

It is with great sadness we announce the death of Owen James Wilson, Jr. as a result of dementia.

Owen died peacefully at home April 9, 2025, surrounded by the love of his family, friends, and neighbors in Jacksonville, Florida.

Born in April 1937 in Calypso, North Carolina, Owen led a life defined by dedication – to his faith, his career, and most of all, his family. From humble beginnings in a small town, he built a remarkable life marked by perseverance, integrity, and an incredible sense of humor. Owen dedicated forty years to the railroad industry. He began at Atlantic Coastline Railroad as a messenger and rose through the ranks to retire as from CSX Transportation as the Assistant Director of Freight Claims and Damage Prevention for the Southeastern Division. In the 1960’s Owen proudly served eight years in the National Guard, reflecting his deep sense of duty and patriotism.

A devoted member of Mandarin Presbyterian Church for 44 years, Owen’s faith was central to his life. He served faithfully as deacon, elder, trustee, and was active in many church committees and activities. The friendships he formed through Sunday School became treasured parts of his and Alma Jo’s life together.

Owen loved working in his yard and had an incredible green thumb. He was an avid gardener with tomato plants that produced year round. When he wasn’t doing yard work he bought and sold cars for both fun and profit. He was born into a Ford family and loved the 1965 and ’66 Mustangs he had over the years.

Owen shared a remarkable 64-year marriage to Alma Jo. Together they built a family that became his greatest achievement and source of endless pride. In every way he was a family man. He was a devoted husband, father, father-in-law, grandfather, and great-grandfather known to all as Pa. His love for his family was evident every day of his life and also encompassed those who were his honorary family. Over the years he and Alma Jo opened their home to many young people. He quietly did for others any time a need arose.

Owen is survived by his beloved wife, Alma Jo McCullen Wilson; daughter, Joy (Ryan) Sedgley; son, Jimmy (Holly) Wilson; granddaughter, Anne Sedgley; great-granddaughter, Charlotte Royal; sister, Barbara Jean Whitfield; as well as many nephews, nieces, and friends. He was preceded in death by his parents, Owen and Effie Wilson; brothers Braxton, Norwood, and Bobby Wilson; granddaughter, Julia Sedgley; great-granddaughter, Ophelia Miller; and nephew, Braxton A. Wilson.

A memorial service will be held at 11:30AM Wednesday, April 23, 2025, at Mandarin Presbyterian Church. Interment will be at a later date in Faison, NC.

The family welcomes donations to Mandarin Presbyterian Church Good Samaritan Fund or Mandarin Presbyterian Preschool in his memory.