John Martin Wilson

Because the family moved so often, John attended eight different schools during his 12 years of early education. He said he never was in one place long enough to form lasting relationships. That changed when he attended the College of the Sequoias in Visalia, where he worked as a bus driver and attended electronics classes.

It was there he met Nola, who would become the first girl he ever asked out on a date. She said yes. She is the only girl he ever kissed. John and Nola were married August 30, 1963. The two celebrated their 58th anniversary this year by renewing their wedding vows.

The couple had two children, Cindy, in 1966 and Carey in 1969. They lived in Hanford and Los Banos before settling in Fresno.

There, the family was active in 4-H, where John taught photography and developed a passion for 4-H camp. He was instrumental in establishing the Fresno County Marine Science Camp program, in addition to serving as a counselor and a leader long after the girls aged out of the program.

John found that his passion for serving others was perfectly suited for trips to work alongside fellow Christians to build houses in Mexico or to help seniors with home-repair needs. It didn’t matter if he was holding a hammer or a spatula, or building the perfect contraption to smoke meat for the men’s retreat, John was there and willing to serve with a smile.

After John’s retirement from a 40-year career in vending, he volunteered weekly to mow the church lawn, and to serve in the kitchen at Woodward Park Baptist Church, helping to prepare Wednesday night dinners for the congregation. He earned his food-service safety certification to do so. He also earned certification to serve as a disaster relief worker for the Southern Baptists. One of the things he was most proud of was driving the Southern Baptist Dental Unit, offering no-cost dental care to farmworkers and those in need.

Toward the end of John’s life, he was blessed to be able to hear how his giving spirit helped those he loved. While in home hospice for three months, John was visited by many church friends and neighbors who told of his willingness to give of his heart. People spoke of him giving them a chance when others wouldn’t, of him believing in them, supporting them and caring for them. John always had a smile and a quick wit, and he was always willing to jump in and help anyone at any time.

John is survived by his wife of 58 years, Nola; daughter Cindy Cameron, and Son-in-Law Maurice; daughter Carey Norton and Son-in-Law Gary; and grandchildren Emily Cameron, Alex Cameron and Grace Cameron; his sister Lavada Bailey and brothers Tommy, Windell and Dwayne Wilson.

A celebration of life service will be held at 11 a.m. Friday, Nov. 5, 2021 at Woodward Park Baptist Church, 1801 E. Teague Ave., Fresno. In lieu of flowers, donations can be made to the John Wilson Memorial Scholarship Fund for youth camp at Woodward Park Baptist Church.