Mike was born August 5, 1963 in Greenville, SC and passed April 18th, 2020 in Greer, SC. He was predeceased by his mother, Irene Brown Wilson, father, Jessie Holbert Wilson, and brother, Raymond Earle Wilson.
Michael A. Wilson was also known as Holbert, Big Mike, Mike, and a Child of God. He left us after having an immediate heart attack at home in the garage. He had no known symptoms but did have a family history of heart disease. Mike had enjoyed his day including riding his ATV around the neighborhood.
After graduating from JL Mann High School in 1981, Mike attended Greenville Technical College and Clemson University. Mike had a long and fulfilling career in solving others’ problems, whether it was machine work or complicated pneumatic solutions. The last 20 plus years Mike worked with Cross Co as their Territory Sales Manager. Mike was one of the last to receive Cross Co President’s Award in addition to many other awards, due to his outstanding performance. A few quotes from Cross Co Leaders are: an excellent “ambassador” to represent the interests and needs of his Cross employee owner partners; “he is a true Southern Gentleman”; the utmost professional that is capable, friendly, unselfish, and empathetic to all; prompt, attentive, level-headed, and patient, with a very strong work ethic; “Mike cares about all people and exudes professionalism in all cases. He is trustworthy and very experienced at forming lasting, mutually beneficial relationships”; “Mike is an excellent technical resource for his customers, highly intelligent, honest, and always does right by the customer. Mike’s consultative abilities and tenacious follow-up make him a tremendous asset to our customers”. Mike loved his Cross family.
Throughout life Mike built relationships with diverse people, in both his professional and personal life. The qualities Mike had in his professional life exuded in his personal life. He never met a stranger or forgot a friend or acquaintance’s name, family and memories. Mike was blessed with more friends than one could count. His abilities to connect with others, his kindness, protectiveness, graciousness, giving, listening ear, and more enabled him to succeed in his everyday life. Mike cherished his friends. He always looked forward to his boys’ weekends whether it was going to the mountains or the coast, including special dinners when friends would come into town.
Being outdoors was one of Mike’s ways of being with God and enjoying the natural beauty He provides. Mike spent many days at his hunt club and most recently as an officer at the Buck and Beard Hunting Club. He enjoyed hunting and fishing locally and in Tennessee.
Mike was also a Past Master of Monaghan 251 AFM Lodge. He was connected to members through the lodge and who provided unconditional support for each other.
At Mike’s local watering hole, Just One More, he would gather with friends and share life experiences, figure out all the problems of the world, and have a good time. Anytime someone would pass from JOM, Mike was asked to preside over the service. His faith radiated from the way he lived his life by his words and actions.
Mike and Sue found their church family at Redeemer Lutheran Church in Greer. He was an active participant whether it was being the Assistant Minister, which they had a robe made especially for Big Mike, or as the Wiseman in the Live Nativity. He loved his church family and had made immediate connections with many, old and young.
Mike is survived by his wife, Susan “Sue” Free Wilson, daughter, Susan “Susie” Elizabeth Wilson, sister, Judy Wilson Looper, nephews Jason Looper and Will Looper (Gina Looper), and great nephews and many cousins.
Funeral services will be held as soon as able along with a Celebration of Mike’s Life. If desired please make memorials honoring Mike to Redeemer Lutheran Church, 300 O’Neal Road, Greer, SC 29651.
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